SCHOOL GARDEN WORKSHOP AT EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD NOV.8TH

I wanted to share some photos and let you know what a great time we had at the School Garden Workshop at the Edible Schoolyard on November 8th.

Members of the Edible Schoolyard staff Hailey Moses, and Justin Leonard led our participants on a tour of their fantastic gardens followed by hands-on gardening tips from Karen Neill, GC Coop. Extension's Urban Horticulturalist and gardening expert. Next, FoodCorps service members Leah Klaproth and Eliza Hudson presented a hands-on lesson "sensual soils" lesson, very creative and experiential.

Jennifer Bedrosian, ESY's head chef led us in a local apple tasting activity and taught us how to make butter! The catchy song she shared while we churned was a lot of fun. Leah and Eliza wet our appetites for supper while teaching us about nutrition resources and activities for k-5 students.

We dined on a delicious supper donated by Whole Foods Greensboro Market, the salads seemed to be the favorite item for most of us.

Speaking of salad, Jenn Phillips from Greensboro Montessori modeled "Plant Parts Lesson" strategies which can be modified for various grade levels. Jenn also brought her worm bin to demonstrate Vermiculture for us, a very controlled, effective way to compost. (She'll provide the worms to anyone wanting to start up!)

Next up was Kelly misiak, Director of The Giving Seed Sustainability Project who taught us a great game about pollinators. Kelly also showed us her website and talked about the great workshops her organization offers.

Cynthia Nielsen, GC Coop Ext. School Garden Network Coordinator wrapped up sharing our website and blog all designed to support school gardeners. We reviewed the material contained in participants' folders, all of the lessons presented and many wonderful recipes form the Edible Schoolyard staff. Curriculum summaries and a list of grant opportunities were also included. Attendees came from as far away as Forsyth and Rockingham County.

The Composters donated by Whole Foods Market were drawn by Woodraille Gilchrist Madison Elementary, Lisa Thomas Summerfield Elementary, Pam Moody  Reedy Fork Elementary, Helena Rushby Kirkman Park Elementary, and Deb Calusdian  Cone Elementary.

I know that many of you had scheduling conflicts that kept you from being able to join us. Given that, and all the positive feedback we've received, we will be scheduling more workshops in the early spring. If you have any requests about times of day and days of the week that work for you we will do our best to accommodate you. Also let us know what you would like covered.

Best Regards and Happy Holidays!