Children in the Garden

Reader Contribution by Crystal Stevens
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Allowing children the space to discover the beauty and wonder of plants through tending to their own garden builds character, teaches responsibility, gives insight into the beauty of nature and fosters their connection with where food comes from. The Children’s Discovery Garden at La Vista Park in Godfrey, IL is an excellent model for education and outreach through community gardening and is a beautiful example of how individuals from all walks of life living in the same community can come together and bring a vision to fruition with love and support.

According to the Community Cultivators, the first meetings began between the interested community members and the Godfrey Parks District in 2001. In 2002 the board was formed and non-profit status was awarded and in October, the first group of children visited the Garden. In 2003 the official ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Earth Day. In 2003, the garden obtained funding for its first paid employee. Families pay a small fee each year for a specified plot of land to grow their own vegetable garden. Seeds and plants are donated by various organizations each year. The Discovery Garden at La Vista Park is a project by The Community Cultivators, comprised of an amazing group of earth stewards who each play an integral role in the Discovery Gardens success and continued existence year after year.

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