How One ABQ School’s Gardening Program is Shaping the Environment!

In a world where sustainability and healthy living are becoming increasingly important, Wilson Middle School’s gardening program is making waves in the education sector. “Growing into the Future” is not only teaching students how to grow their own food but also inspiring them to become environmentally conscious citizens, all while having fun in the process!

The program began a decade ago in an empty lot, where students rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty, cleaning up the area and preparing the soil. Fast forward to today, and this once-empty lot has transformed into a half-acre garden brimming with life, including pollinator and vegetable sections.

APS Education Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting innovative learning opportunities for Albuquerque Public Schools, recognized the potential of this program and awarded it a grant. This funding enabled the gardening program to expand its horizons, providing opportunities for elementary school students to visit the garden and learn from their older peers.

By introducing gardening programs in every school, we can create a greener, healthier society. Students will learn valuable skills that promote sustainable living, and in turn, they can use these skills to grow fresh, nutritious food. This has the potential to transform our cities into urban utopias, where school lunches no longer rely on unhealthy, cheap options, but rather on the fruits of the students’ labor.

One of the many benefits of gardening education is that it encourages students to make healthier food choices. By growing their own produce, they develop a connection to the food they eat and are more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. As a result, they are less inclined to indulge in processed and unhealthy foods.

Additionally, gardening programs can foster a strong sense of community, with students, teachers, and residents working together to maintain the garden and green spaces. This shared responsibility instills a sense of pride in the local environment and encourages everyone to contribute to its well-being.

Imagine a city where every school has a thriving garden, where students of all ages work together to grow their own food, and where environmental stewardship is a core value. This vision could become a reality if we invest in gardening education and empower our youth to make a difference in their communities.

In conclusion, Wilson Middle School’s “Growing into the Future” gardening program serves as an inspiring example of how education can shape a greener society. By teaching students the skills required to grow their own food, we can empower them to make healthier choices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Let’s embrace this innovative approach and encourage every school to incorporate gardening programs into their curriculum. Together, we can create a world where environmentally conscious citizens work hand-in-hand to build a greener, healthier society for generations to come.