By Kimberly Paulk, SHARECharlotte.com, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits.
“The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.” -Gertrude Jekyll
I’m trying it again. Summer gardening. It’s been a while, and I’m already battling failure. I’ve lost a cucumber, forgotten to water my rosemary and am struggling to contain the tomato plants. But I have to admit I’ve missed it, and I’m excited to have my young nieces gardening with me for the first time.
This experience – of getting their hands dirty and seeing where food comes from – is one I wish for all kids. Green Teacher Network (GTN) agrees, and has a vision of that happening through our local schools.
They are a creative bunch of folks, that’s for sure. Just knowing that their programs include a mobile chicken tractor and competitions that explore the Science of Soup and the Math of Pizza will tell you a lot. On their website you’ll find a “carrot map” that shows where they work (just click on the carrot for the name of the school, along with the address). But behind the fun is the serious business of connecting teachers to resources that will allow them to bring gardens fully into classroom curriculums. Quarterly workshops give educators a chance to develop gardening skills and network with others. GTN is also working on an online Curriculum Connection Matrix that will align North Carolina education standards to garden based projects and lesson plans.
You can learn more about their programs and vision here. If you’re ready to dig in and get involved, why not help with a school garden? Get details below.
Schoolyard Garden Volunteer – School gardens need TLC over the summer too. Work with your local school to help care for their garden over the summer. Volunteer must be 18 or older, but can be accompanied by younger children.
