Linda Cacapardo’s classes at Romney Elementary School in Hampshire County learned about water pollution during the 2010-11 school year. Then they worked together to improve stormwater management at their school. Using a grant from the Potomac Valley Conservation District and donations of time and equipment from the school staff and the community, they installed a rain garden in the middle of the playground. On April 23 they braved cool, wet weather to plant native plants in the pre-prepared mix of sand, soil, and organic material. Ms. Cacapardo’s vision for this area is for the plants produce more seeds and fill in the spaces over time. She hopes it will teach all the students using the playground to value naturalized areas that do not look formal and manicured.