Vision

The vision for the school garden at Upper Lynn Elementary was to transform six barren and neglected garden beds into thriving, productive spaces. The plan was that these gardens would serve multiple purposes: sustaining pollinators, providing food for humans, and educating students about food security and environmental conservation. Through hands-on involvement in gardening activities, students would learn valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of stewardship. In addition we wanted to begin to build a supply of tools to be used by future classes.

Action

I am pleased to present the final report and review of our garden rejuvenation project, which was made possible through your generous grant funding. Over the past months, our school community has embarked on an inspiring journey to transform the neglected garden beds at the front of our school into vibrant, productive spaces. With your grant’s support, two grade one classes and our big buddies in grade seven collaborated on a plan to revitalize the six garden beds. Our vision was to create gardens that not only produce food but also support pollinators and showcase indigenous plant species, enriching the school community’s connection to the natural world. Starting from scratch presented numerous challenges, including a lack of workable tools, depleted soil, and limited budgetary resources. However, with determination and creativity, we overcame these obstacles and made significant progress. We began by collecting and saving sunflower and marigold seeds that we had saved from previous seasons, embracing the opportunity to preserve biodiversity and continuity within our garden project. We purchased much needed tools including some shovels, gloves and smaller hand tools as well as a watering hose that can be used when the rain does not do our watering for us. A local farmer donated garlic bulbs which we planted before winter and will be able to harvest this summer. To rejuvenate the soil, we purchased some soil amender which was dispersed throughout the garden beds by the hard-working grade 7s. We had a donation of cover crops including buckwheat and hairy vetch which we will plant in the fall in order to continue building a healthy soil for next season. In our efforts to incorporate indigenous plants, we consulted with local experts and researched species native to our region. Our plan is to purchase some indigenous plants earlier next season. West Coast seeds donated a box of vegetable seeds that we are currently planting and we should be able to harvest some food crops before the school year ends. Our garden beds are healthier than they have been for years. The grade one students, alongside their grade seven mentors, have developed valuable skills in gardening, environmental stewardship, and teamwork. Moreover, the project has fostered a deeper sense of community and connection within our school, as students, teachers, and families come together to nurture and enjoy the fruits of their labor. As we reflect on this journey, we are grateful for your organization’s support and belief in our vision. Your grant funding has not only enabled us to realize our garden rejuvenation project but has also empowered our students to become agents of positive change in their environment. Moving forward, we are committed to sustaining and expanding our garden initiative, fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness within our school community. We hope to raise money to purchase a rain barrel in the coming years. Once again, thank you for your invaluable support and partnership. We look forward to continuing our work together in the future.

Reflection & Celebration

Throughout our recent project journey, our classes have embarked on a learning adventure that extended beyond textbooks and traditional classroom settings. Here’s a recap of our key takeaways and accomplishments: Lesson 1: Proactive Planning Pays Off One of the foremost lessons we gleaned from this experience is the importance of initiating each project component well in advance. By starting early next year, we aim to streamline our workflow and mitigate last-minute rush. Lesson 2: Adequate Tools Are Essential We discovered that having the right tools is indispensable for project success. As we expand our endeavors, we’ll ensure we equip ourselves with a comprehensive array of resources to facilitate smoother operations. Lesson 3: Strategic Site Selection is Crucial Our venture into planting an indigenous garden shed light on the significance of meticulous site selection. Recognizing that our current garden beds may not be optimal, we’re committed to refining our approach and identifying more suitable locations for future endeavors. Success 1: Cultivating Student Engagement A notable triumph of our project lies in the high level of student engagement it elicited. Witnessing our peers actively participate in gardening activities underscored the value of hands-on learning experiences. Success 2: Fostering Food Awareness Our endeavor provided a platform for students to deepen their understanding of food production processes. From seed harvesting to plant growth cycles, participants gained invaluable insights into the journey of food from soil to table. Looking Ahead: A Promising Future As we conclude this project, we view it not as an endpoint but as a stepping stone towards larger undertakings. With newfound knowledge and enthusiasm, we’re eager to embark on future initiatives that will further enrich our learning journey. In retrospect, our class project has been a testament to the power of collaboration, perseverance, and experiential learning. Armed with valuable lessons and a sense of accomplishment, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead on our educational path.