“Christine Watson, principal at Imagine Schools at South Lake, saw a curious thing happen at her school after a community garden was planted last year. It inspired more gardens.
When members of the National Wildlife Federation’s Florida habitat-steward program planted the community garden in the middle of the campus, it had a ripple effect throughout the Clermont school. Soon, classes across campus were getting in on the action. Garden after garden popped up on campus.
‘Having the garden inspired other gardens on our campus,’ Watson said. ‘We use them in our character education and volunteer programs.’
In the coming weeks, a new class of habitat stewards will be forming and a new location for a community garden will be chosen. It’s a chance for local residents to learn about caring for their own backyards, while helping other backyards. At the conclusion of the three-day training program, they will build a community garden for all to enjoy.
This year, the program, located at B.B. Brown’s Garden in Clermont, runs March 5, 6 and 7.
Cathy Brown of B.B. Brown’s Garden said they’re looking for a spot where the public can enjoy the garden — ‘a place where people can see it, enjoy it and relax by it.’
Brown said the Imagine Schools location was ideal because it exemplified what the program is about: education and environment.
‘This was a perfect example of the education and excitement spreading throughout their campus during and after the installation of the garden,’ Brown said.
Cost for the training is free, but class materials, meals and an opening reception is $95. The application deadline to be a garden recipient is Wednesday.
To learn more about the habitat steward program or submit an application for the community garden, contact Brown at 352-429-5566 or [email protected].”
Article published on January 22, 2011 by the Orlando Sentinel