Have You Seen Our Water Garden?

The Bridger Water Garden project began in the Winter of 2003 and is a collaboration between Bridger School and Urban Water Works, a former non-profit organization. The goal of the project is to educate students and community members about storm water runoff and water quality, while also using the arts to celebrate the aesthetic properties of water.

Our hope is that the students involved in this project will forever be aware of the preciousness of water, its role in supporting our ecosystems and our society. Students learn how they can improve water quality; therefore, ensuring their stewardship of this essential resource.

Students interact with the space during recess as well as during classroom assignments.

The project reroutes storm water runoff from 13,000 sq. ft. of roof, into a 12,120 square foot water garden, and was designed and built by the students, teachers and parents of this school. This former asphalt courtyard, now includes a system of seasonal creeks, a pond, infiltrated basins, and a vegetated swale that collects, cleans and absorbs 100 percent of the water that it captures from all seven disconnected downspouts.

This garden reduces runoff entering the Willamette River one mile away; provides recreational and educational opportunities for the school and surrounding community; and provides a model for storm water diversion that could be implemented by average households.

On-Site Living Laboratory

Our students have an opportunity to learn about the environment and sustainability, plant/life sciences, habitat and watersheds literally in the school's backyard.

Outdoor Student Work Area

Students have a reflective work area to do their writing and reading. As well as a great gathering place for storytelling and play acting.