Programs
School gardens are a treasure...
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A school garden’s vibrant experiential space stimulates memorable learning across curricula.
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Students working in a dynamic ecologic system are inspired to be curious, to develop critical thinking skills and to find comfort in nature.
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Students value growing and cooking fresh foods within a community which builds character.
School gardens require planning and resources
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Living, breathing garden classrooms are relatively easy to start, but can be a challenge to sustain over time in ways that support teachers and bolster student learning.
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WWVF2S provides coordinated leadership and resources for school community involvement, critical to maximizing meaningful use of the garden.
When School communities partner with WWVF2S, the foundation for a thriving school garden program is created.
We envision a school garden program where students feed their bodies and minds growing and tasting fresh healthy foods while experiencing science that’s come to life through hands on lessons in the garden. School gardens impact academic achievement as well as student’s overall attitudes about school and learning. Along with growing salad greens and radishes students cultivate respect for nature, patience and teamwork.
How does WWVF2S support school gardens?
As visually described in the Community Flower Garden graphic created by Julie Christian, WWVF2S partners with schools to provide:
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School garden planning tools to assess the garden and identify goals and actions to enhance garden sustainability.
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Recruitment, training and support of college interns, community volunteers and Garden Education Managers (GEM) Click here to sign up to volunteer!
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Support of GEMs with:
1) financial compensation;
2) workshops and trainings on best practices in gardening, lesson oversight and community development; 3) lesson outlines and materials.
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Gardening supplies (seeds, starts, compost and mulch) as available.
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Coordination with community volunteer groups to assist with school garden maintenance.
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Oversight for school garden maintenance events.
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Teachers and the District collaboration to identify the most suitable garden lessons and Professional Development.
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Teacher Professional Development to use the garden to support student learning.
Starting a School Garden
School Garden Programs
The school garden lessons we use have been developed by us in collaboration with teachers and Garden Education Managers or gathered from multiple sources including Life Lab and School Garden Project.
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“One time” per season garden lesson visits for every grade
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5-6 time per season “science series” of garden lessons visits for (Kinder, 2nd or 3rd grade)
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Recess Garden Club or After School Garden Club Guidlines.
During the school year, to enroll in the WWVF2S programming, students need to attend a local school and register with the school for after school programming. In school programming is coordinated through the teachers and staff at each school.
Summer Garden Programs
During the summer, WWVF2S has contracted with Walla Walla Public Schools for 5 weeks, Monday-Friday, 8-11am. Students must register to attend through the district website.
In addition to the morning program in the summer, WWVF2S will offer drop-in afternoon programs through the YMCA and WW Parks & Rec UPlay. We also have a new LGBTQ+ program that serves 11-18 year olds that is in partnership with Triple Point of Walla Walla. Any LGBTQ+ youth can drop in during program hours on Tuesdays, 6-7pm.
Summer Garden Maintenance
Taking time to work in your school’s garden is rewarding and fun. Please consider signing up for one week over the summer.
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School garden maintenance guide for summer
Food Focus Events
These events are designed to bring the school community together to celebrate seasonal food, to consider food’s impact on good health, and to strengthen our dialogue about the local food system and the role we play in it. The Whitman College Fellowship Program has been instrumental in delivering this program. Check out our calendar for upcoming Food Focus Events at area schools and community centers.
Recipes
Find recipes on our SLC YouTube channel!
Farm Education
Farm Field Trip Programming
We believe every child deserves to experience a farm. When funding and resources permit, we arrange farm field trips for whole grades of students. We have worked with these farmers to arrange farm field trips. – Thank you Farmers! Welcome Table Farm, Jimenez Farms, Smalls Family Farm,
Harvest of the Month Tasting Tables
This program helps link farmers to schools and students to great local food!
Become a Harvest of the Month (HOM) Tasting Table Volunteer at your school!
Volunteers will prepare for and oversee a tasting table once a month at a school cafeteria during lunch. The table will feature information about a locally grown food, the farmer that grew it and samples of a local food. Depending on the school, volunteers may assist with food preparation. Volunteer time is generally 2 hours each time plus a 30 minute meeting prior to the event to pick up promotional materials.
Click here to sign up to Volunteer To Be a HOM Tasting Volunteer!
Local Foods and Farmers
A local seasonal food and the farmer that grew it is featured during Harvest of the Month events, Food Focus events and during farm field trips. Click on the food and/or farmer links below to learn more about our local bounty and farms.
FOODS
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Garbanzo Beans - Español
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Roasted Roots
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Salad Greens - Español
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Winter Squash - Español
FARMERS
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Blue Moutain Seed - Español
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Finley's Fresh Produce - Español
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Hayshaker Farms
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Jimenez Farms
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Key Farms
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Ron LaFore Apple Farm - Español
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Locati Farm
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R & R Produce
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Schreiber & Sons Farm
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Warren Orchards
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Welcome Table Farm - Español
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West End Farm - Español