The funding was awarded as a one-time allotment rather than a competitive grant.
Gladden Farms Elementary (GFE) is creating new opportunities for students through the continued development of its Paddock Peace Garden.
The funding was awarded as a one-time allotment rather than a competitive grant.
To receive it, GFE was required to develop a strategic plan outlining its vision, goals, and strategies for building a sustainable, integrated school garden program.
Using the Developing Integrated Gardens (DIG) planning tools from the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, the school will expand the Paddock Peace Garden into a sustainable outdoor learning environment.
Planned improvements include adding outdoor learning areas, expanding planting areas with citrus trees and native plants, improving irrigation and garden infrastructure, purchasing tools and equipment, and acquiring instructional resources.
Work is expected to take place over the coming school year.
The Paddock Peace Garden was originally established in 2019 and currently features succulents, native desert bushes, herbs, and tomato plants.
The garden was named after the school's founding principal, Mrs.
Going forward, the garden will be sustained through partnerships with students, teachers, families, our PTO, community volunteers, and local businesses.