Yates Mill Elementary

Goals of Environmental Education

To foster clear awareness of and concern about economic, social, political, and ecological interdependence in urban and rural areas
To provide every person with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, values, attitudes, commitment, and skills needed to protect and improve the environment
To create new patterns of behavior of individuals, groups, and society as a whole toward the environment

The History of Yates Mill Elementary

"An Environmental School"

Originally the land where Yates Mill Elementary School, YMES, is located was an active Wake County farm producing corn, tobacco, soybeans and a vegetable garden for the Edwards Family. Near the creek is a pile of rocks that were removed from the fields as the owner prepared the land for planting. The creek, which is located on the very back of the property, feeds into the Swift Creek that is part of the Swift Creek Watershed.

It seems appropriate that YMES is an environmental school since the landscape was designed to help protect the drinking water source of the area. Construction of the school with no curbs, natural drainage and drainage ponds are part of this desire to respect the watershed and the environment.

The campus offers the opportunity for students to learn about animal habitats provided by the creek, drainage ponds and wooded areas. This campus is a work in progress. In 2000, the students planted plants in the pond that should provide a strong root system and inviting animal environment. By the year 2015, the drainage ponds should reach maturity for animal habitats. Each year children are given the opportunity to observe and record their findings as our campus matures. The campus provides opportunities for observation of birds, geese, squirrels, deer, frogs, snakes, butterflies and numerous crawling and flying insects.

Students are taught a respect for nature through observation and participation. Many classrooms have individual raised gardens. The goal is that each classroom will have a garden or window box to maintain throughout the year.

A walking path to the creek, which is bordered by stepping stones made during the 2000 school year, has benches and picnic tables that have been provided through Boy Scout projects. An amphitheater, near the creek, has been built to provide a space for outdoor lessons and performances. A nature trail has also been constructed near the pond in the front of the school.

In order to provide varied opportunities for students, the campus has been divided into six zones. Considering the age of the students, curriculum needs and safety, the zones have been assigned to each appropriate grade level.

Parents are also an integral part of our environmental adventure. Several times a year the PTA coordinates workdays where parents, students and teachers can work together to improve and beautify our campus.

Our vision is the help students develop a deep respect for nature and the opportunities that it provides. Our goals is the make children aware of their responsibility to the environment and its maintenance.

Every week is Earth Week at Yates Mill Elementary!

About Yates Mill:

Photos of Yates Mill

NC State’s Yates Mill Pond Becoming County Ecological, Historic Park - NSCU

Historic Yates Mill County Park... - Wake County

Other Resources:

North America Association for Environmental Education - This is a network of students and professionals from all over the world.

Rainforest Cafe - Provides a quiz on your rain forest knowledge and links to great environmental sites on the Internet.