Project revives landscaping at Griffith Elementary School

Students at Griffith Elementary School have a new science lab at their disposal this year.

The Bermuda grass quad at the center of the school at 324 E. Essex Drive was replaced with desert landscaping and elevated garden beds that students will have the opportunity to interact with.

Principal George Anas said the area was previously underused.

"It was just sort of there," Anas said. "Every now and then teachers would come out and read to students. It wasn't used to its full potential."

Anas said he rarely saw students walking through the grass, even though it wasn't forbidden. He hopes the stone walkways and seating opportunities of the raised beds will change that.

"Teachers are talking about bringing lessons outside on days that are nice," he said. "It's just going to be a more usable space."

Anas also said the elementary students learning about the plant life cycle will have the opportunity to plant flowers and vegetables to coincide with those lessons.

What's good for the students also is good for the Clark County School District, which expects to save about a half million gallons of water this school year thanks to the new landscaping and other renovations at Griffith.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority retrofitted the school last year with low-flow water fixtures and toilets to save an estimated 200,000 gallons a year.

The new water-efficient landscaping of more than 4,000 square feet will save an estimated 300,000 gallons a year.

The Water Conservation Coalition sponsored the project in conjunction with several other community groups and donors, including the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2010.

Carmen Gigar, chairwoman for the coalition's Executive Committee, said it's been about a two-year job to secure funding and partners for the project, which cost more than $20,000.

It's money well spent, she said.

"We look for projects that are going to elevate the neighborhood," Gigar said. "We also focus on those that will help children. It'll give the kids a usable environment ---- a living, breathing classroom and laboratory.

"Kids can learn about horticulture and water conservation, and it can be a great example for the community for landscaping."

At nearly 50 years old, Griffith is one of the oldest schools in the district. Gigar said the coalition is in the process of evaluating other old schools in the valley for similar projects.

Anas said the school expects to install more elevated beds and other landscaping around the school in the coming years.

Contact View education reporter Jeff Mosier at jmosier@viewnews.com or 224-5524.