On October 25, Owen Middle School's Natural Impact Initiative hosted a ceremony to officially dedicate a new mural depicting Appalachian natural and cultural images as well celebration of the re-introduction of river cane on the campus.
The mural was completed by more than 70 Owen Middle School students under the guidance of Warren Wilson College professor Lara Nguyen and her students from WWC. The re-introduction of native river cane is a part of a campus wide effort to eradicate invasive plants, re-introduce native species and create a vibrant and engaging learning space for students and the surrounding community. Once the river cane is fully established, the plan is to work in partnership with artists from the Cherokee nation as they demonstrate and share the artistic and natural importance of native river cane to basket weaving in our area.
Check out coverage of the event by WLOS
United Way and Owen Middle
Of course we are really excited about the fact that Owen will be the fourth site in our efforts to build community school strategies that support successful students, strong families and engaged communities.
While United Way was not an active partner in the creation of this mural, our volunteers have been a big support toward the re-introduction of river cane to the school. Earlier this year our volunteer center staff led a series of service projects for employees of Duke Energy who helped to clear invansive plants from the campus where the river cane was planted.
