While local classrooms recently have been empty during the state-mandated coronavirus shutdown, Benjamin Logan Schools officials report that the district’s Growing Gardens, Growing Minds grant program still continues this spring outdoors on school grounds, with new plant life taking shape in many different forms.
This week in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the district shared updates with the initiative funded by the Mary Rutan Foundation.
Staff members have planted a row garden that will provide fruits and vegetables for a future student-led farmers’ market.
In addition, new plants were recently added to the permaculture area near the land lab and to the greenhouse. The plants and trees in the permaculture area are marked with signs made from anodized aluminum that include the Mary Rutan Foundation logo as well as a student designed Growing Gardens, Growing Minds logo created by Benjamin Logan High School senior Mason Manns.
Also around the school’s campus, other student environmental learning initiatives include the Bluebird Trail and Martin Houses, bee hive installation, aquaponics, building and installing raised beds, mushroom inoculation and more.
The goal of the grant is to connect students to the local food system, assisting them to make decisions that impact their health and world view.