Organic Garden and Outdoor Learning Space Opens

Wilchester Elementary School opened its new organic vegetable garden and outdoor learning space during an Oct. 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony. All second- and fifth-grade classes attended.

Both grades helped plant, maintain and then learn in the new garden area earlier this fall under the professional guidance of a garden educator. This program is funded in part by a Spring Branch Education Foundation grant, with help from the Wilchester Elementary PTA.

View more photos of Wilchester's organic garden area >>
 
Wilchester’s new garden is an initiative of parent volunteers, community members and teachers who dedicated time during the last two years to bring this project to realization. The garden opening ceremony coincided with the conclusion of the school’s observance of Red Ribbon Week, the district’s annual anti-drug and anti-alcohol awareness campaign.

“The new Wilchester Garden is a learning tool and space that expands on Spring Branch’s commitment to a Healthy Lifestyle campaign. Gardening programs extend learning outside the classroom, and offer greater sensory imput across a range of curriculums including science, math and language arts,” PTA Garden Co-chair Fae Cohen stated in a press release.

“Gardens also offer an opportunity for our students to work within their community, setting a strong foundation for the building blocks of citizenship,” the PTA statement also said.