Swiss Memorial Elementary School students, staff, community members and Gruetli-Laager Senior Citizens had a dedication ceremony on May 28 for the new Swiss Memorial School Garden and Fruit Orchard in Gruetli-Laager. Students planted strawberries and a variety of vegetables and flowers.
Belinda Morgan, the school nurse, and members of the Healthy Schools Team began planning this project last October. “We are very excited to see it finally come to life,” Morgan said.
Matthew and Cammie Monroe of TransPlants Inc. in Beersheba designed the garden, which consists of several raised beds and gravel pathways to provide a safe area for students to move around the garden as they work. Monroe planned the orchard with peach, pear and apple trees as well as grape, blueberry and raspberry bushes. Rain barrels will provide water throughout the year.
The Road Map for a Healthier Appalachian Tennessee has awarded a grant for a greenhouse.
“This exciting project is an extension of our classrooms and a catalyst to teach nutrition education,” Morgan said. “We will offer a ‘Garden Club’ after school this fall as a hands-on approach to nutrition, food preparation, fitness, and community involvement. Our programs will be sustained by growing plants to use in our garden and also sold as fund-raisers.”
No comments:
Post a Comment