The term ‘Completion’ can be a misnomer because the real work of sustaining the project happens after it is installed. To hear what the completion stage entails, click here.

13. Celebrate the Project
Once your naturalization project is in place, take the opportunity to recognize your achievement through a celebratory event. It is important to make the public aware that something special and valuable has been created.  Consider planning an outdoor celebration that may include music, creative writing, singing, dancing and food.  Be sure to invite the school community, neighbours, volunteers, school board officials, funders and other supporters as this is a great way to recognize their contributions.

The celebrating should not stop simply because the installation of the site is complete. Many schools have initiated annual events such as harvest celebrations, summer or winter solstice celebrations, or a spring tea for parents. Commemorate any new additions or improvements made to the site, even with something as small as birdhouses. Research and apply for appropriate awards.  What better way to let people know what your school has achieved success than by receiving recognition for your efforts.

The hope is to extend the activities associated with the naturalization project into the future. The project should remain a focal point for the school community and become an integral part of the school's culture. The care and energy for the project needs to be sustained.  

14. Evaluate, Monitor and Utilize the Project
It is important to determine if the landscape you created is a success, and had the impact you anticipated.  Refer to the original vision and rationale to determine whether goals were met.  This requires evaluating the physical condition of the site, as well as its effect on the people involved. Questionnaires and monitoring activities can facilitate this assessment. Funding agencies often require you to submit this information so they can independently evaluate the success of the naturalization project.

See the Resources section for information on evaluations.

The risk of vandalism is always a concern, however, the instances of damage to naturalized sites is low. Ideally, the issue will be taken into consideration in the planning and design steps.  After installation, events and ceremonies in the naturalized site should involve as much of the school community, their families and the wider community as possible.  Ask neighbours to keep an eye on the garden and provide them with contact information in case of an emergency.  Legacy projects are a great way to encourage a feeling of ownership even after students have left the school.

See FAQ’s for common questions and more information on discouraging vandalism. 

15. Nurture the Project
Stewardship of the project as it matures involves cultivation both of the physical site and of the people involved. 

Most school boards have a policy that if a naturalization project becomes neglected or overgrown with weeds, it may be removed.  As part of a stewardship plan, maintenance is an essential ingredient that cannot be ignored.

Naturalized areas don’t normally need excessive care, but close attention should still be paid to its on-going condition.  It must be made clear that these are “low” maintenance projects, not “no” maintenance, and its best to be prepared in advance for the work that goes into looking after them. 

A long-term plan must be developed for watering, weeding and general maintenance tasks, especially for the first two or three years after installation. This will be most critical over the summer when the weather is warmest and school is not in session. School families may be able to adopt the gardens for week-long periods over the summer. When school is in session maintenance can be incorporated into class activities. For details on maintaining a project see ‘Project Stewardship’.

Naturalization projects are permanent additions to the school environment and should become part of the school's long term planning. Successful naturalized sites are those that engage the school population and are fully integrated with the curriculum providing a valued teaching tool.  Ideally these sites become an important part of the day-to-day operations of the school. For suggestions see Project Stewardship’

More about the activities that begin after installation of a project can be found in ‘Keeping it Green’