The mural project culminated in a formal ceremony held on Earth Day where classes presented each mural to representatives from community government and agencies. All nine murals will hang in various public buildings and will serve as an educational tool displaying the habitats of native plants, animals, insects, and birds indigenous to the state of Texas.

In December, students assembled together to collaborate and plan with teachers and parent assistants. It was decided that two different service projects would focus on environmental stewardship and be formally celebrated on Earth Day, April 22nd. All 205 3rd and 4th grade students brainstormed a list of possible mural recipients around the Austin/Round Rock area. Parent Marci Purcell noted that, “Our students were more excited and motivated to complete the project when they were able to visualize their projects displayed around town for the public to see!”

Students received classroom instruction in February and March on Texas native flora and fauna from teachers, parent gardening expert Meredith O’Reilly, and representatives from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center in Austin. At the same time, planning, fundraising and construction of the OWL, or Outdoor Wildlife Lab, also began. The OWL will serve students and teachers in the enhancement of social studies and science curriculum for years to come.

Celebrating Earth Day, April 22nd, Caraway Elementary students and community proudly presented all nine murals to special guests including representatives from The National Wildlife Federation, the Wildflower Center, the Office of Texas State Representative Mark Strama, the Wild Basin Preserve, the Austin Children’s Museum, the Spicewood Springs Library – Austin, the Austin Nature and Science Center, Dr. Jesus Chavez – Superintendent of the Round Rock Independent School District, and Tom Waggoner from the Texas Education Agency.

At this event, students were excited to receive special recognition from the National Wildlife Federation, who declared their OWL (Outdoor Learning Lab) a Certified Wildlife Habitat, and from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which certified the OWL as a Texas Wildscapes Schoolyard Habitat Demonstration Site.

The 3rd and 4th grade students at Caraway Elementary reflected on their philanthropic efforts that truly capitalized on their time and talent. One young 4th grade student commented, “One day I hope I can bring my kids here and show them a much bigger wildlife habitat that I had a big part in making. And I hope those murals will still be hanging around town!”