Schoolyard Gardens Program

Summary

The Schoolyard Gardens Program offers urban children learning that engages the body as well as the mind, the opportunity to grow and eat fresh foods, and access to the natural world.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Somerville is an immigrant community. At two schools, 47 and 73% report English is not their first language. Somerville schools serve students from low-income families: at two schools between 63% and 83% are so. Over 40% of Somerville 1st-3rd graders are overweight or at risk for being so. Somerville is the most densely populated city in New England; about 19,400 residents per mile. Three highways run through, with 300,000 vehicles daily and six diesel rail lines with no local stops.

How will this project solve this problem?

In-school, after-school and summer garden programming incorporating science, math, technology, engineering and nutrition into environmental science lessons with kindergarten-12 graders. We run after-school lessons and summer camp.

Potential Long Term Impact

Through the creation of urban gardens, their is more permeable pavement, open space and green space in Somerville, increasing the urban canopy and decreasing carbon footprint. Elementary students understand their impact on the local environment.

Project Message

"Since working with GWS, I understand how I affect the community in which I live. I take time to look around at nature, and to care about how my community looks and is." Karolline, 14 years old.
- Karolline Braga, High School Employee, 14

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources