Native Habitat School Garden Reinvigorated

The garden at Stonehouse Elementary School, a Wildlife Certified Habitat, was developed in 2004 by students, faculty, staff, parents, and community volunteers. Through the years, thanks to the support of many, including our chapter and individual members, it has successfully served as an outdoor classroom for learning, inspiration and connecting with nature and wildlife.

Over the course of four days in the brutal August heat, under the leadership of Jennifer Myers, Garden Coordinator and VNPS member, and with the financial support of John Clayton Chapter, the garden got a needed clean-up and re-hab.

Thanks to the generosity and initiative of Collin McPherson, a member of Boy Scout Troop 103 of Williamsburg, the garden redesign became an Eagle Scout project and now - a reality. Read more about the project here.

About the John Clayton Chapter

The John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society was chartered in June of1984 and was named in honor of the colonial botanist, John Clayton. Our membership includes beginners as well as professional botanists, novice and experienced gardeners, and folks who just like to walk and see some wildflowers and trees.

We present educational programs at our meetings, as well as to schools and civic organizations, conduct fieldtrips and workshops, participate in plant rescue and relocation, work on conservation projects, publish a bi-monthly newsletter, and have displays for libraries, schools, and events. We hold a native plant sale in spring every year. Proceeds from the sale go towards Nature Camp scholarships.

The John Clayton Chapter includes Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, James City and York Counties, as well as the Cities of Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News and Poquoson.