At a time when the planet's health is paramount on the minds of politicians, scientists, and citizens alike, a group of Lincoln Elementary students has done their part to heighten environmental awareness within the community.

The students at Lincoln designated 2007 - 2008 as the year to make their school "green." To begin, the school partnered with the Catamount Institute, a local nonprofit that promotes environmental education and ecological stewardship. Catamount's guidance, combined with funding from Service-Learning Colorado Springs and the North Colorado Springs Rotary Club has enabled the school to implement environmentally friendly changes. These include: procuring plants for every classroom, establishing a recycling program, creating a student-led club known as YES (Young Environmental Stewards), planting Xeriscape gardens, and installing a mosaic mural. Members of the YES club also made a presentation about Lincoln's achievements at Colorado College's Creek Connections Symposium in late April.

The most visible achievement of the students' efforts is a colorful mosaic tile mural that graces the school's western wall, facing busy Cascade Avenue. The environmentally themed mural, measuring 9 feet high by 33 feet wide, showcases the school's commitment to inspiring a "green" lifestyle among students, staff and the community at large. The mural was designed and installed by local artist Sherry Bennett, with help from Rotary Club volunteers. Students contributed individual tiles and chose the mural's theme and motto, an Arapaho saying: "All plants are our brothers and sisters, and if we listen we can hear them."

According to school Principal Dave Cook, "As educators we must be proactive in providing learning experiences that are relevant to the needs of today and the future. Giving students the opportunity to understand the meaning of "green" at an early age will hopefully assist in raising the next generation to make practical, common sense decisions regarding the care and conservation of our world."

The students' goal of making the school "green" would not have been possible without funding and support from community groups. These include Service-Learning Colorado Springs, a collaboration between District 11 and Colorado College, and the North Colorado Springs Rotary Club, a service club that helps the community through donations and hands-on projects.