Planting the seeds for learning

Feb. 2, 2009 – The Voorheesville Garden Committee is planting the seeds for an exciting, new enrichment opportunity for Voorheesville students and the community.

This spring, a 33- by 58-foot garden will be planted on the grounds of Voorheesville Elementary School to foster healthy eating habits, promote environmental awareness, enhance learning and help students understand social responsibility.

The garden will include vegetables, produce, herbs and flowers, and feature raised beds, walkways, benches, work stations, a picket fence and a welcoming arbor.

“This is a great step forward for Voorheesville schools,” said Interim Superintendent Raymond Colucciello. “I have no doubt that the garden will have a positive impact on our students and the community.”

As part of the project, some of the produce grown in the garden will be donated to the New Scotland
Community Food Pantry.

To integrate the garden with classroom curriculum, master gardeners from Cornell Cooperative Extension and members of the Helderview Garden Club will help plan a variety of fun and educational events for students and the community. They will also help ensure that the garden is developed properly—from soil preparation to harvest.

The entire community is invited to help make the garden a reality. Volunteers are currently being sought to serve on a variety of subcommittees to help raise funds, solicit donations of materials and to provide labor and ongoing maintenance. No gardening experience is necessary; enthusiasm is always welcome.

For more information, contact the Garden Committee Chairs Bri McAlevey or Lori Dollard at vvillegarden@gmail.com.

Many thanks go out to the PTA for their support for this project and the Voorheesville Community & School Foundation for providing initial funding.

Stay tuned for information about a garden naming contest for elementary school students.

Visit the Garden Committee Project homepage.