New Botanical Garden at East Woods

Many people have wondered about all of the shredded leaves at East Woods Intermediate School.  In November 2024, Hudson Public Works generously provided 625 cubic yards of shredded leaves, as the first step of transforming this site into a new bio diverse botanical garden.  Some of these leaves may have come from trees in your neighborhood.  Why did we use them?

• The leaf compost retains moisture and provides nutrition for worms and other beneficial insects.  The activity of the worms naturally improves the porosity of the soil, and its ability to absorb stormwater.
• As the leaves break down, they return nutrition to the soil that will benefit the new trees, shrubs and other plants.  Eventually the leaves will add to the thin layer of the site’s existing topsoil.

This project replaces mowed turf, with collections of trees, shrubs and other vegetation that have a much higher environmental and ecological value.   A winding ADA compliant walkway will extend the length of the new garden.

Some of the benefits expected from this project include:

• Serving as a laboratory for students studying botany, local flora, ecological systems, biodiversity, soil science and stewardship and the effects of climate change
• A possible site for the ongoing 5th grade Habitat Projects program
• Improving seasonal interest and beauty, and enabling  students, parents, teachers and visitors to see, touch and learn more about native species.

This project is 100% funded by ReGreen for Hudson Schools.