The Problem
We would like to create a habitat for pollinators to feel welcome in our garden. We would also like to advocate for food equity in our community by providing food for other people in our community through our school garden.
Our Plan
Growing a larger garden to provide food for ourselves, our community, and wildlife.
Themes Addressed
-
Activism
![term icon]()
-
Advocacy
![term icon]()
-
Animal Welfare
![term icon]()
-
Community
![term icon]()
The Benefit
-
People
![term icon]()
-
Animals
![term icon]()
-
Environment
![term icon]()
Here is how the project went:
We had an annual garden with some perennials, and we planted 100 native species plants in the area to expand for local pollinators. Supporting local pollinators was an important goal for us, especially as we combat invasives, so this was an important part of the project. This year we were able to harvest 20 lbs. of tomatoes, 13 lbs. of eggplant, and many edible flowers and herbs. Children would try these throughout the day or use them to create paints and their own creations in the mud kitchen. We used the tomatoes and eggplants for school snack and shared the rest with the community of families in our school. Our program is located across the street from the University's graduate school housing, which widens our community. This inspired other families to bring in food excess from their own gardens to share as well. We used part of the grant to purchase tools for the children. The focus of the year was to prepare and nourish the soil. The area we are using formerly had some invasives we killed by tarping the area, but the soil quality is still quite compacted. We used new rakes, shovels, and hula hoes to help manage weeds and loosen topsoil. We had a family event with parents and siblings of children in the class to create some lasagna compost layers for the winter to provide nourishment to the upcoming school year. It is one of our values to share reciprocity to the land that provides for us, so this event was centered on giving back to the soil after the gift of all its harvest. Families were very excited about the collective work, and I think that the garden space will transition to a community garden space for family collaboration in the upcoming year.
Through this project I/we learned:
The main lesson for this year was that our soil needs to be healthier, and we can help it do that! While our tomatoes and eggplants thrived, others did not, and we worked hard with families to renourish the soil in the garden for the upcoming year.
What I/we might change:
More community involvement! A lot of the work in the garden happens with children and instructors throughout the day, but families showed interest in having more participation in this space in the upcoming year.
My/our favorite part of this project was:
I loved seeing the different ways children used the plants and cared for them in this space. Cultivating reciprocity through care of plants was another important part of the project to me.
Some tips, tricks or fun facts about the project:
Children will always amaze--trust them! I worked individually with children to build, harvest, and give back. These plants provided safety for children who experience more social anxiety, and as an adult who also experiences this, I am glad to support them throughout the day with time for them to engage in nature. When problems arose, they helped us find solutions!