Bryan Swift, LHS science teacher, describes the plans to transform the school’s courtyard area.

The Leeds High School ecoscape project continues to move forward and some area businesses are helping in a big way.

Recently, tons of rock that will be used for water pools and other areas throughout the ecoscape were donated from the Grand River Retail site. The donation was so large, it required the cooperation of several construction companies to get the job done.

Bryan Swift, the organizer and sponsor of the ecoscape project, said the donation of materials and labor is a key to making the ecoscape a reality.

The businesses helping to bring the large size boulders to the school campus are: Lehigh Cement Company, Daniel Corporation, Hoar Construction, Plateau Excavation, and Russo Corporation.

The project has come a long way since last spring when planning first began, according to Swift. The school was able to obtain a architectural rendering of the site, thanks to Macknally&Ross, which provided the drawing at no charge to the school.

Swift said the plan for the LHS ecoscape would be unique in all that will have to offer, both from an environmental and educational standpoint.

“Typically when people think about an outdoor classroom they think of one place or thing. Our’s will be the only one of its kind in the state,” Swift said.

Swift added that most classrooms will have one or two elements, but that the LHS project will include various learning sites such as a garden with a greenhouse, raised gardens, wetlands, butterfly garden, and an ampitheater. There will also be a learning pavilion on the crest of a hill where a memorial tree will be erected honoring LHS graduates who have passed away. Previous memorial trees from the old schools will also be replanted in the area. The memorial tree will be the only tree not native to the area. The male Ginko’s color will contrast with the other native Alabama species.

“Other schools don’t have it all, but we want it all,” Swift said. “We are dreaming big.”

As for the stones and boulders brought in, they will be help to hold back water in planned wetland and pond areas. One water pool will be located off of Highway 78 to mitigate the large amount of water currently rolling off of two hills on the campus property, according to Swift.

Another person playing a big role in getting the ecoscape up and running is Chuck Thomas, an aquatic landscaper, who is helping Swift. He has donated much time and labor, as well as over $4,000 in liner that will hold water.

“We have all the materials in place to do the lower pool,” Swift said.

That pool will be approximately 25 by 40 foot. There are also plans for a 40 by 75 foot wetland area. The rock brought in will be used on one side of those features as well as being used for retaining walls. Construction of the first pond will begin in August.

Swift is still calling for others to help with the project and a lot of community organizations have agreed to help. One area of need is in the area of grass seed and wildflowers.

“The wildflower seed is actually quite expensive … about $2,000 per acre. Grass seed is $1,000 per acre,” Swift said.

Swift said his main goal is to create an educational opportunity for the students at LHS. But, he added that the project would ultimately benefit the entire community.

“This is the gateway into Leeds; it is one of the first things you see as you come into town (along Highway 78). This should be beautiful, but it needs to be functional and educational, which is the school’s top priority,” he said.

He said students have already expressed excitement over the project and that it could help raise enthusiasm for school and learning.

“We have seen attendance go way up when we take students outside of the classroom and doing hands-on learning,” Swift said. “The paper and pen method simply is not as effective with this generation of students.”

O’Neal Steel has also gotten into the act by donated over 4,000 pounds of metal that will be used by artists to build a variety of recycled art for the ecoscape gardens.

Another feature of the ecoscape will include over 1 mile in trails.

Another area that is already under construction is a courtyard that is only accessible from inside the school. The area was the victim of cutbacks in the construction budget. Thomas and David Franklin have been busy working on the courtyard, donated their time and resources. The plans involve the planting of three trees and other plants as well as incorporating sails to provide shade. Huck’s Barbecue is also donating bricks for the courtyard.

“All the work that has been done in the courtyard has been done out of their own pockets. If we paid them for everything they have done so far we would owe them over $10,000,” Swift said.

Swift continues to call for community support and donations. The project will require both funding and labor. To get involved in the ecoscape project contact Swift at bswift@leedsk12.org. Swift said there is an urgent need for dump trucks and equipment to load, haul and unload rocks, sand, mulch and topsoil that is being donated.