The Monforton Garden Program strives to enhance the mental, physical, emotional, and environmental health of the Monforton School Community through conservation, education, and service. | All of our funds and materials used to get this project started over the past year were through individual donations by community members. Thank you to the following businesses and volunteers for their contributions: Korner Klub Inc.- Jerry Ritter: Donation of materials and supplies to build raised beds.
Yellow Dog Landscaping - Dale Deutch: Donation of equipment and soil. Scott MacFarlane: Community volunteer - organization and construction of garden Erin Rinehart: Community volunteer - summer garden maintenance Gail Torgerson: Equipment/tool donation Since the start of the Monforton Gardening Program in Spring of 2011, students have gained access to locally grown fresh vegetables. Having access to the garden at recess peaks interest in the natural world and increases willingness to eat vegetables. Among the students who participated in the garden last spring and this fall, we have observed a positive change in eating habits when offered fresh vegetables as a snack. Those students who are not directly involved in growing the vegetables still receive the benefit of eating locally grown food and learning about environmental stewardship. We have recently applied for a Youth Garden Grant and will hear back if we are awarded funds by March 1, 2012. The 2012 Youth Garden Grant Funds will allow the Monforton Garden to expand and directly benefit the Four Corners Community by providing the equipment and tools necessary to build composting bins for the Garden Project. This composting program will increase educational opportunities, reduce school waste, and provide compost for our garden. The excess compost developed through this project would then be sold to community members as a fundraiser to purchase seeds, plants, and equipment for the garden. Future goals include:
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