The Problem
Our wish for this project is to create a warm and inviting space for all to experience nature with compassion while building a sense of community. Our grade K-5 raised beds have been installed and enhance students' understanding of where food comes from and how it is grown. Teachers have the opportunity to extend their classrooms and meet common core standards with hands on lessons in the garden. Parents and community members enjoy sharing lessons with students, enjoy the ambiance, and, hopefully, enjoy the harvest! Yet, at the beginning of every school year, we are faced with the same annual budget needs to maintain the garden. This year, (in addition to the garden bed program) we are in full development of the butterfly garden and sensory garden. We are also interested in bringing a focus to efficiency and sustainability of our Southern California environment Our hope is to create a sanctuary for the students and their families.
Our Plan
Our project will bring people of all ages together for a common goal in an effort to create a true community. The success of our garden, every year, and of the continuation of the program, depends on support, relationships, communication, compassion -- extremely useful skills in the real world. This garden project will give students unique opportunities for growth, creativity and learning. The opportunity to be in an outdoor classroom with a new environment to study applied math, science and art lessons (without really even knowing it)! This project will connect children to the earth, fostering an understand of the cycle of life, our place in it, the interconnectivity of people and the power of teamwork as well as the value of precious resources -- as basic as water and sunlight. Through support from the community, we will fully develop our native Californian garden to attract the beloved monarch butterfly with new plantings. Our second goal is to establish worm bins, composting and rain barrels.
