The Beat

The Problem: The problem is there are too many outdoor spaces that are underutilized in our school community, Oak Grove Elementary.

The Solution: The solution is "Beltlining". Inspired by the Atlanta Beltline, it is constructing a loop or pathway that embraces the outdoors and joins people together.

One trip around The Beat is almost half of a mile

Feel the pulse of The Beat

Birdsong Nature Trail

The Birdsong Nature Trail was originally dedicated to Laura and Brian Birdsong on Earth Day in 1992. It was rededicated on Earth Day 2022. Laura and Brian were Oak Grove students who tragically died in a 1991 plane crash near Brunswick. This living tribute located south of the carpool lane and parking area has an outdoor classroom and picnic area. Please remember to leave no trace and pack out all trash.
The nature trail is always in need of of volunteers for maintenance and planting projects. If your group or family is interested, contact oakgrovestem@comcast.net

The Daffodil Project

Fifth Graders in the Class of 2020 participated in the worldwide initiative to plant 1.5 million daffodils in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust and in support for children suffering in humanitarian crises in the world today. Students selected and prepared the site, planted the bulbs, and planned a dedication ceremony.

Watch the video here

Special Events

THE FIRE LANE IS FOR THE BIRDS
As you walk down the fire lane part of the beat, you can learn more about bird habitats and how to attract birds to your yard. Check out the different shaped birdhouses and determine which house you would rent if you were a bird!
The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great citizen science activity for the whole family. This year count and report birds February 12-15, 2021.

Story Walk

StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along The Beat.

There currently is no story on The Beat. Stay tuned.

First Grade Pollinator Garden

First Graders learning about conservation replaced a "dead zone" of grass with pollinator plants and information signage. Even though not directly on The Beat, it's definitely worth a detour.

Learn more about planting a pollinator garden here

Williams Pavilion

Built in loving memory of William Wright Harris in 1997. The pavilion provides a place for the things William loved most to come together - friends, the outdoors and learning.

Enjoy a shaded rest or a picnic lunch and remember to leave no trace.

Mr. Mark's Apple Tree

In the spring of 2019, long time Oak Grove teacher Mark Manganello retired and was honored with an apple tree donated by the Crane family. Their daughter Olivia was one of Mr. Mark's students. The tree is located between the music trailer and the ramp to the gym. Read more about the dedication here

Invasive Plants

As we strive to add native plants to our campus to support biodiversity, we also battle invasive plants like English Ivy, Japanese Privet, and Nandina. Berries from these plants are consumed by wildlife which spreads these invasive plants to other locations including forests. The exotic and non-native plants compete with our native plants which is harmful to our wildlife.

To learn more about invasive plants of Georgia, click here

Volunteer

The Beat is a "space in progress" and can always use extra hands for one-time and regular projects including:
pulling invasive ivy
blowing/raking the black top
adding native plants
nature trail clean up
pruning and mulching

Contact
OakGroveSTEM@comcast.net
for more info