Community Corner
Field Park Project Is Not Your Average Garden
Western Springs students will harvest knowledge along with their vegetables.
Those of you driving by Field Park Elementary School recently may have noticed some decorated wooden containers near the playground; maybe even a little green poking out. These containers hold the start of a community garden project involving students and faculty from McClure Junior High, Field Park and community members.
My elementary school classroom exposure to gardening was sprouting seeds in Styrofoam cups for science class. The Field Park Garden project has a broader focus including lessons on environmental conservation and nutrition.
They are using the lasagna method, a low-maintenance garden starting with compost. (You had me at lasagna.) They started composting last fall.
Find out what's happening in Western Springsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Composting is something families without a green thumb might steer clear of otherwise. The outdoor classroom allows kids to see how to make something like that happen and then implement at home.
As a part of this project, junior high and elementary students from all over Western Springs went to work this week planting vegetables, fruits and herbs for an organic garden. Members of the community will help maintain it over the summer. The students will then harvest their produce in August.
Find out what's happening in Western Springsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Beyond planting, the students received lessons on how to prepare the soon-to-be crop with Chef Paul Virant (Vie), Amy Cox (subURBAN homestead), Chef Nick (Nicksons Eatery) and Whole Foods.
What I love about the Field Park and the Forest Hills school garden projects is that learning goes beyond the confines of the school day. It’s tactile and real life. Kids have the chance to relate to faculty and other adults in a different way.
The kids have greater responsibility for learning. This provides opportunity for a variety of interests to develop. Hopefully it will help the students develop an appreciation for projects and learning that are more of a long-term process.
For this project to work it does take involvement beyond school personnel. Kudos goes to Genesis Growers and Whole Foods for their support. Many families and individuals have generously donated time and given financial support to launch this project.
