Horticulture Society honors KES youth garden

Each year the Minnesota State Horticultural Society recognizes individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions to horticulture and greening efforts in public gardens, community projects and through exemplary community achievements. Individuals, projects and activities of neighborhood groups, governmental organizations, garden clubs and communities that have meritoriously contributed to gardening and rejuvenating communities through plants are honored each year. Kimball Elementary Schools Youth Garden is the recipient of the K.E.E.Y. Award (Kids, Education, the Environment & You), awarded to an organization, school or youth group that has organized and implemented the most notable youth project in environmental education involving community greening. While these projects may be sponsored by a single entity (i.e. a school) the project should be open to other youth in the community. A strong emphasis needs to be placed on the educational value of the project and the efforts implemented to ensure the continued availability of the educational component. That children learn best through engagement and active exploration of the world around them was the guiding philosophy for creating the Kimball Elementary Youth Garden. In the spring of 2002, with the collaboration of four of Kimball’s teachers, the encouragement of the elementary principal and the guidance of retired teacher and master gardener Carl Hoffman, the Youth Garden was spearheaded by elementary teacher Deb Schmidt. The curriculum was designed to include students in planning and design, choosing plants, and tending the garden. Schmidt structured a science and nature curriculum for her after-school and summer classes. This year the garden won first place in the Kimball Area Beautification Contest. K-3rd graders use the garden tools, supplies and the shed for planting projects, fourth-graders use the garden for their study of Honey Bees, and sixth-graders use the garden for their Monarch study and held their graduation at the garden. Nineteen award winners were nominated by fellow community members from across the state for their outstanding contributions to horticulture and greening efforts and recognized by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society. Winners were announced at the State Awards and Recognition Event held at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society Saturday, Feb. 3.