On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, first through fifth graders at Antwerp Elementary School enjoyed the first-ever Prairie Garden Day on the native prairie garden on Antwerp Local School’s campus. Students learned about animals, plants, native species, water, and erosion through various lessons and activities. The event was organized and run by Mrs. Linda Mabis, retired Antwerp Elementary science teacher; Anna Gurney, Education Specialist from Paulding County Soil & Water Conservation; Dru Mark-Wilson, Education & Outreach Coordinator at Defiance County Soil & Water Conservation; and Darlene Hanneman and Donna Wirz, Mrs. Mabis’s sisters.
Over the last few years, Linda and her husband Gary, with the help of other individuals and organizations, have dedicated much time and effort to creating the prairie garden. The latest addition is a bridge that allows students and staff to more easily access the garden in order to learn about and enjoy nature. The prairie garden is open to the public as well.
