The Problem
Address the lack of green spaces and opportunities for hands-on environmental education in our community. Students are unaware of certain plants and environmental factors because they are not exposed to them.
Our Plan
Our project will create a community garden where people of all ages can plant and care for native plants, flowers, and vegetables. This garden will benefit the community by improving access to fresh, healthy food, and supporting local wildlife by introducing plants that attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
Themes Addressed
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Community
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Food Choices
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Pollinators
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Upcycle
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The Benefit
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People
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Environment
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Here is how the project went:
During March and April of 2025, we used the grant funds to replenish/refresh soil in our garden beds as well as purchase butterfly host plants and pollinator plants, such as Homestead Verbena, and Pincushion plants. We purchased 9 bags of soil for our courtyard containers, and perennial pollinator plants for worms, bees and butterflies. We also planted plants such as Grace Ward Lithodora trailing perennial and 2 knock-out rose bushes. These plants will encourage pollinators to visit our gardens, and the "new" nutrient-rich soil will help our plants grow better. The kids and staff were able to come together and put together what we learn in class and apply it to the outdoor environment. Children from underserved communities, including students in Rosemont Title 1 school, have not been exposed to various plants, gardens, and insects. This project allowed all the students involved to connect with nature and become comfortable with digging in dirt and replacing worms and beetles in secure spaces. We were not able to plant any vegetables, but hopes are that we will be able to next school year. We discussed expansion and what plants and vegetables they would like to see grow.
Through this project I/we learned:
So much more time and attention is needed in garden. We had a great time and had a better sense of community engagement and environmental stewardship.
What I/we might change:
Adding a vegetable garden.
My/our favorite part of this project was:
Watching the students learn about the environment with a hands on experience.
Some tips, tricks or fun facts about the project:
It was wise to give leadership roles. Someone in charge of weeding, someone in charge of bagging up items, and one person managing the tools, and someone keeping them on task. The students took leadership roles seriously and worked very hard. That is a great tip to use next time.
