Logan Middle School
Featured Property
A Living Classroom for Stormwater Education
At Logan Middle School, a 740-square-foot rain garden is doing more than managing stormwater—it’s empowering students to take climate action in their own backyard.
This vibrant garden, located beside the school’s outdoor classroom, was fully planted by students in spring 2024 as part of a hands-on learning experience. Before planting, students gathered for a lesson on the importance of native plants and how they help soak up and clean stormwater. They learned how deep-rooted native species prevent erosion, support pollinators, and naturally filter runoff before it reaches nearby waterways.
The rain garden was created in partnership with ReNew the Block, a community initiative that brings green infrastructure to La Crosse neighborhoods. Funding from the Youth Climate Action Fund made the project possible, supporting both the materials and the educational programming that brought students into the process from start to finish.
With guidance from teachers and local conservation partners, students transformed the space into a thriving garden that now serves as a living extension of their classroom. It’s a place where science lessons come to life, where seasonal changes can be observed, and where students can see the direct impact of their work on the health of their watershed.
This project is a powerful example of how climate action can be local, educational, and youth-led. Logan Middle School’s rain garden is more than a stormwater solution—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when schools, communities, and students work together for a sustainable future.