By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Alina Adams (left) and Paulina Lewis planting some of the many plants that were donated to the school.
The grounds at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School have been known for years for their gardens. Over the past year, community member Karina Lewis has been volunteering in the garden, something she plans to keep doing.
“I am a student at Cal State San Bernardino and would like to give back to my community,” Lewis said. “Over the past year, I have been researching the potential benefits school gardens have on children.”
Lewis has expanded those efforts, pulling in other community volunteers to help in the garden and obtaining donations from local businesses.
“We have received over $1,000 worth of donations from Ace in Crestline,” she said, adding those donations have included a full truckload of soil, wood to repair the garden beds, various plants and a few garden tools.
In addition, Crestline resident David Burns – who has combined his love of art with his love of gardening to create artistic plantings around the world – donated more than 100 plants including sweet peppers, pumpkins, zucchini, squash and tomatoes.
Jason Ballew watering the pumpkin bed. The sign gives information on pumpkins and their care and use.
The long-term goal, Lewis said, is to apply for a grant for a school garden coordinator at VOE. Prior to that, they are working on increasing their community engagement and partnerships.
Lewis had put out the call for volunteers to work in the garden on Aug. 7 and many stepped up. There will be future opportunities to work in the garden, she noted.
Interested in volunteering? Fill out the volunteer packet and your availability.
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