"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there and I am prepared to expect wonders." - Henry D. Thoreau

In 2002 the Slippery Rock Area Elementary Garden Design Project involves elementary school students, teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and Slippery Rock University staff and students, working to design and create an outdoor classroom/butterfly garden.

Jill Takach, a third-grade teacher at Slippery Rock Area Elementary approached the staff at the Macoskey Center for assistance on a butterfly garden and the ideas began to flow. Thomas Reynolds, Director of the Macoskey Center and Christine Walters, an MS3 student, began talking about using the butterfly garden project as an opportunity for students to practice the idea of designing with nature. Grant funds have allowed the progression of this project from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Safari Club International, the ALTER Project, and the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts.

- Christine Walters-Glenn Alternator Article