School gardens - a panel discussion recap

At the end of February the Lower Columbia Nature Network pulled together a panel of local school garden experts to discuss the ins and outs of school gardens. There is a definite level of excitement for school gardens after a few years of limited access due to COVID. People are ready to get the shovels out, get some things in the ground and explore the wonders of nature with students.

The panel included:

• Ian Thompson, executive director - Lower Columbia School Gardens

• Emily Anderson, garden coordinator - Lower Columbia School Gardens

• Mark Watrin - Battle Ground Schools, Board Director

• Kris Potter - River HomeLink garden coordinator

The complete video can be watched here or below.

Here are some of the great resources and links shared in the session:

• LCNN Educator Resources & School Garden Toolkit web pages:

  • Garden Toolkit https://www.lowercolumbianaturenetwork.org/toolkit

• Resource links from the chat:

  • Lower Columbia School Gardens - https://lowercolumbiaschoolgardens.org/

  • WSU Extension https://extension.wsu.edu/clark/community-education/school-gardens/

  • School Gardens for Learning - https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9032

  • Educator's Guide to Vegetable Gardening - http://www.csgn.org/sites/default/files/CSGN_book.pdf

• Need funding? Remember, Mark Watrin mentioned some great organizations that have grant funds that could be perfect for your project.

  • Clark County Green Schools - https://clarkgreenschools.org/blog/school-sustainability-grant-opportunities

  • WA Native Plant Society https://www.wnps.org/education-grants

  • Master Gardener Foundation of Clark County http://www.mgfcc.com/Grants.html

  • Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington https://thewatershedalliance.org/?portfolio=neighborhood-grants (in the City of Vancouver)

  • City of Vancouver Urban Forestry - trees - reach out to their team at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us (City of Vancouver)

• Want to see other school gardens in the region? Visit the Clark County Green Schools map for more information.

• April Teacher Workshop - Plant and Seed Swap! - We will be planning a swap this spring so let us know what you have and/or what you need (don't have to have anything to swap to participate!) Click on this link and we will approve you to get in and let us know what you need!