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GARDEN PROGRAM
Teaching a child that food comes from the earth broadens their perspective on the world we live in. Made possible through grants from Impact the Palm Beaches, the Mary McArtor Reynolds Giving Fund, and the family and friends of Simon Baker, the Garden Project encompasses three gardening and nature sites. This innovative garden program goes beyond the typical elementary garden and has proven to have a tremendously positive impact on the education, mental health, and wellness of the students and surrounding community. A custom curriculum was developed with the University of Florida and local master gardeners which allow students to enjoy handson learning. Additionally, seniors and students are both actively involved in giving gardens back to the community. Simon’s Giving Garden’ provides community food (through gifted container vegetables and herbs), a butterfly garden, outdoor seating, and a place for students to learn the benefits of healthy eating.
Our Garden Program teaches students how to grow affordable herbs, fruits and vegetables and provides the perfect outdoor classroom to enhance the Center’s science related STEAM activities. Edna’s Community Park includes two areas full of trees, brush, and native plant species and an additional .4 acre preserve at the EducationCenter. Students monitor, nurture and document the Florida native plants and animals, and the development of a butterfly garden in alignment with Palm Beach County Department of Environmental and Resource Management.
In addition to a custom learning curriculum for adults and children, there are
three separate garden areas included in the Garden Program
Simon's Giving Garden
12 raised garden beds and 6 fruit trees including food and pollinator plants at the Edna W. Runner Education Center
Edna's Community Preserve
Public preserve and food forest at the entrance of Limestone Creek at the corner or Limestone Creek Road and Edna Runner Way
The Nature Walk Preserve
Private Nature Preserve and Educational Walk including food-bearing native plants located next to the Edna W. Runner Education Center