Schools
Schools
Claremont has a rich history of school gardens. From installing raised beds and fruit orchards at Vista del Valle Elementary to converting an old bike lot into an edible garden at El Roble Jr. High, Claremont schools are finding new and creative ways to link green spaces to hands-on learning experiences for our young people.
The Sustainable Claremont Schools Action Group (SAG) is using this rich tradition as a springboard to achieve some of the goals listed in the Claremont Sustainable City Plan.The Plan calls for SC to collaborate with the school district in:
- establishing native gardens and edible schoolyards
- planning Claremont’s Earth Day celebration
- researching and creating a “sustainability” curriculum
- reducing resource use
- improving school meals
In 2013, CUSD, with help from Sustainable Claremont, hired its first Community Garden Coordinator. College students who work as interns or on projects which fulfill academic requirements have been an invaluable resource.
SAG currently has two major initiatives; (1) Supporting the development and maintenance of school gardens, and (2) Infusing environmental literacy into the CUSD school curriculum in conjunction with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Partnerships are key: SAG continues to works closely with CUSD, the Claremont Colleges, Cal Poly Pomona and other local schools, as well as with non-profit organizations such as Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Uncommon Good, Kiwanis and the Interfaith Council to build the partnerships necessary for Claremont children to become part of a well-rounded, sustainable community.
The Oakmont Biome Project, the CHS garden, Vista del Valle’s garden class taught by community master gardeners, and the San Antonio Food Justice Project are excellent examples of successful partnerships.
Want to help? Gardens need to be planted, weeded, harvested and enjoyed. We invite you to volunteer your time or give donations of cash or tools for school garden needs.