Gateway Greening Urban Farm Manager Rachel Deffenbaugh, teaching harvesting techniques to City Seeds Therapeutic Job Training ’16 clients. Photo Credit Deer Hart Photography.
Dear Gateway Greening Community,
It has been my sincere pleasure to work with you for the last 6+ years. I started as an AmeriCorps VISTA with Gateway Greening in 2010 and in 2011 I became the Farm Manager for the Gateway Greening Urban Farm. I have grown and evolved, along with the scope of my position. As of February 27th 2017, I am transitioning to manage the Therapeutic Horticulture program at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
This change is bittersweet for me. I am excited for the new opportunities and challenges that will be afforded to me at the Missouri Botanical Garden. However, Gateway Greening has been a formative and inspirational place to work. It will always hold a place in my heart and I hope to maintain a strong relationship with the organization and the people involved.
Genuinely, thank you for making my time with Gateway Greening a valuable and impactful experience.
In preparation for the fast approaching growing season, 2nd and 3rd graders at Mallinckrodt Academy have been making some important decisions about what they want to grow in their school garden this year.
Gateway Greening has an excellent planting calendar to show a when different varieties of vegetables can be started indoors, transplanted or directly sown into the garden, their grow time and even when students should harvest.
The second graders formed groups, and were offered a selection of pictures of vegetables cut from old seed catalogs. The students needed to work together to come to an agreement as to what crop they would grow. Next came locating the plant on the planting calendar and discovering necessary information for growing the crop they chose by utilizing the key. “The key unlocks it all!” explained one student.
Each group will have a chance to share their findings and tape the picture of their chosen veggie to the month when we need to start planting.
Students at Mallinckrodt Academy using a planting calendar to plan their 2017 crops for the school garden.
The third graders took this a step further, deciding how they would make the most of their available garden space based on the information from the graph. The students applied what they learned about sequential planting to choose three vegetables that will be able to grow in the same space based on the time they are planted and harvested. In this way, the students will be able to grow 3 separate crops in the garden this year.
In addition to being a great way to involve the Mallinckrodt Academy students in the ownership of their garden, this lesson encourages students to learn and practice: interpreting information from graphs, collaborating with group members, public speaking, and decision making. The school garden is a great place to learn and practice these skills which are all transferable to other areas in the classroom and everyday life.
Written by Meg Holmes, Gateway Greening Youth Educator
Although the school gardens may be resting, Seed to STEM is growing; Gateway Greening is now working directly with fourth grade classes at Gateway Elementary. Gateway Greening and the fourth graders are full of enthusiasm for the new partnership, which is fortunate since January is all about energy!
GG Youth Educator Lucy introduces Gateway Elementary 4th Graders to VermiComposting and forms of Energy.
The Gateway Greening Education Team has been hard at work building off of classroom lessons about different forms of energy to bring energy to life in the garden and classroom. The fourth graders searched for forms of energy inside and out. They discovered a chilly, wintry day is the best time to explore how to use thermal energy to get warm. Then the students were ready to get their hands dirty to see energy conservation in action.
Students discovering vermicomposting at Gateway Elementary
Discussions about energy and indoor lessons are the perfect time to introduce worms and vermicomposting. Vermicomposting systems are easy to set up in the classroom and are a great jumping off point for lessons on energy use, decomposition, habitat, and more. The lesson began when the students first observed a completed composting worm bin system and determined what made it a functional habitat for red wiggler worms. Each student had a chance to smell, touch, and study the food, worms, and soil in the compost bin. They realized that the “soil” was actually worm castings: nutrient rich worm poop. (The general reaction was, you guessed it: “Gross!”) For some fourth graders it was their first time holding a worm. Other students excitedly held and measured their worms.
Once the students understood how vermicomposting worked, they created their own mini composting bins. Using plastic containers, newspaper, and leaves, they put together what they thought would be the best possible habitat for the red wigglers. After moistening the shredded newspaper and adding air holes, the students introduced the worms to their new habitats. The last class of the day even added leftover vegetable scraps from the cafeteria to the bins for the worms to feast on.
In the coming weeks, the fourth graders at Gateway Elementary will observe how the worms use the vegetable scraps. They will make connections between conserving energy and using food waste to benefit the garden. Once the students move their worms to a larger vermicomposting system, they will start participating in the Gateway Greening Compost Challenge. Will they produce more compost or more food waste than your school?
This past December, the kindergartners and preschoolers at Clay Elementary became expert birders!
As December finally started getting chilly, we noticed that the bees and worms that just a month ago buzzed and wiggled around, were nowhere to be seen! However, after searching high and low we discovered many sparrows, chickadees, and cardinals still making the schoolyard their home.
To become expert birders, the first thing we did was investigate if the garden was a suitable home for birds. Along the way, we learned that “habitat” is a science word for home and that the seeds from the native plants in the nearby rain garden provided food for the birds. To help make a better habitat for our bird friends, the preschoolers and kindergarteners created bird feeders.
Then, the students used their science eyes and ears to observe birds. They mimicked different bird calls and flight. They loved practicing their flapping and soaring skills while looking for birds on the playground! The hardest part of birding for the kindergarteners and preschoolers was practicing the quiet, stealthy walk of a birder, to not scare the animals. We looked all over the garden and saw cardinals and sparrows in trees and flying high above the schools. To wrap up the month of birding, the preschoolers learned what make a bird a bird and created their own feathers. The kindergarteners noticed nests were a sign of birds, so they created their own nests to take home.
Birding was an engaging theme to get younger students outside and making observations when the garden is not particularly active With birds, the preschoolers were able to act as scientists, artists, and explorers. The students practiced making scientific questions, created avian inspired art, and kinesthetically mimicked the flight of birds. They were able to be imaginative and use their important sense of awe and wonder, while learning scientific skills along the way! The best part of birding is that it can be done anywhere, whether that’s the school garden or the urban backyard. The students took their birding skills home and practiced spotting birds throughout the winter break!
By Lucy Herleth, Gateway Greening Youth Educator
Looking for more seasonal lessons and activities for students to do in the school garden? Stop by Gateway Greening’s YouTube channel to explore our “This Week in the School Garden” video series or reach out to our Education Team with questions!
5 Questions We Love Hearing About Library Community Gardens
We love it when people ask us questions about our programs, even if it’s something we’ve heard more than once! After all, what better way to learn something new? This week, we’re answering the five most commonly asked questions about Library Community Gardens.
What are Library Community Gardens?
In 2012 the St. Louis County Library System (SLCL) and Gateway Greening formed a partnership with the goal of establishing several community gardens at public libraries. The concept was that by transforming the previously manicured lawns into thriving garden spaces, libraries would be able to extend their programing, offering a wide range of educational classes, gardening information, and environmental programming to patrons. At the same time, they would create a space for community members to grow healthy produce for their families.
The partnership has seen outstanding success since the first garden was installed at Prairie Commons branch library in March of 2013. Today, there are currently three library community gardens active in St. Louis County: Prairie Commons (Hazelwood, MO), Cliff Cave (Oakville, MO), and Grant’s View (Affton, MO).
How can I get involved, or get a plot of my own?
The best way to get involved – whether you’d like a plot or explore volunteer opportunities – is to contact the library branch staff directly. Since each garden is managed by a volunteer group, the library staff will be able to put you in contact with the correct person to handle your request.
Similar to other community gardens found throughout St. Louis, individuals can apply to have a plot of their own in their local library garden. If you’re interested, apply early! Garden space is limited and most library gardens will have a waiting list to sign up for available plots. If successful, gardeners can expect to pay a small annual fee (usually around $25) and will need to agree to follow basic garden rules.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning, you can also ask for information on the community garden, or look for the various educational classes held at various St. Louis County Library Branches throughout the year.
Grant’s View Community Garden at the Grant’s View Library in Spring 2016
How can I get involved at my Library Community Garden?
Currently, there are no plans to build any additional library gardens at existing libraries in St. Louis County. If you would like to learn more about a current library garden project, or ask about potential future projects, please contact our Outreach Manager!
Do you have opportunities for people to learn about gardening?
We regularly offer educational gardening workshops at each of the library branches, and even a few libraries that don’t currently have gardens! Gateway Greening also offers regular community education workshops at its Carriage House location throughout the growing season.
To find out more about upcoming learning opportunities, please visit:
Just like any other community, each library garden establishes its own rules and guidelines. Most SLCL gardens provide individual plots to individuals or a family to grow produce for their own consumption. The rule of thumb is usually, “if you didn’t plant it, don’t pick it.” This doesn’t mean gardeners don’t get creative though. Other SLCL gardens have community areas, where multiple community gardeners share the workload and offer/donate produce to other families, local food pantries, or to library patrons and staff.
If you have a question about a particular location or garden, don’t hesitate to ask a community gardener or library staff at the main desk.
St. Louis (28 Nov 2016) – Lyon Academy at Blow School Garden in St. Louis, MO. was expanded on 17 Nov 2016 as a result of an award from Gateway Greening. The garden received 8 picnic tables, 1 garden scale, 1 garden sign and 200’ of water hose.
Lyon Academy at Blow School Garden has 15 gardeners from the community and as a group, the garden will be able to grow 640 lbs of produce annually, on average. Produce grown will be used by the gardeners, formally donated, and informally given away throughout the community.
For 30 years, Gateway Greening has educated and empowered individuals to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening’s Garden Program receives many requests to start or expand community gardens in St. Louis. Projects are selected based on a number of factors including: need, the quality of the garden space, the level of community support, and the thoroughness of the plan for using the garden space. Awarded sites are typically supported with seeds/plants, garden tools, materials (hardscape and landscape), and guidance.
Lyon Academy at Blow School Garden is located at 516 Loughborough, St. Louis, MO 63111
About Gateway Greening
Gateway Greening is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers people to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening has been working to provide creative, grassroots solutions to urban problems since 1984. Programs include supporting more than 200 community and youth-focused gardens across the St. Louis area through educational opportunities, garden supplies and technical assistance; and Gateway Greening’s Urban Farm, a 2.5-acre farm in downtown St. Louis that provides therapeutic horticulture and a jobs training program. Visit Gateway Greening at www.gatewaygreening.org. @gatewaygreening.
St. Louis (1 Dec 2016) – St. Louis Artworks Community Garden in St. Louis, MO. was installed in 2016 as a result of an award from Gateway Greening. Three double-high raised beds were installed and filled with soil. The award also included: 3 wooden picnic tables, 2 wooden benches, 1 wheelbarrow, 2 garden hoes, 2 digging forks, 1 hard rake, 7 garden trowels, and 125’ of garden hoses.
St. Louis Artworks Community Garden has 11 gardeners from the community and as a group, the garden will be able to grow 144 lbs of produce annually, on average.
For 30 years, Gateway Greening has educated and empowered individuals to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening’s Garden Program receives many requests to start or expand community gardens in St. Louis. Projects are selected based on a number of factors including: need, the quality of the garden space, the level of community support, and the thoroughness of the plan for using the garden space. Awarded sites are typically supported with seeds/plants, garden tools, materials (hardscape and landscape), and guidance.
The St. Louis Artworks Community Garden is located at 5959 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112.
About Gateway Greening
Gateway Greening is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers people to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening has been working to provide creative, grassroots solutions to urban problems since 1984. Programs include supporting more than 200 community and youth-focused gardens across the St. Louis area through educational opportunities, garden supplies and technical assistance; and Gateway Greening’s Urban Farm, a 2.5-acre farm in downtown St. Louis that provides therapeutic horticulture and a jobs training program. Visit Gateway Greening at www.gatewaygreening.org. @gatewaygreening.
St. Louis (1 Dec 2016) – MRH Elementary School Garden in Richmond Heights, MO was installed on 29 Oct 2016 as a result of an award from Gateway Greening. Twelve raised beds were installed and filled with soil. The award also included: 2 picnic tables, 2 wooden benches, assorted signage, and garden tools.
MRH Elementary School Garden has 11 families from the community gardening and with the students, the garden will be able to grow 480 lbs of produce annually, on average. The produce will be used in MRH Elementary School lunches and is also for the gardeners’ personal use.
For 30 years, Gateway Greening has educated and empowered individuals to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening’s Garden Program receives many requests to start or expand community gardens in St. Louis. Projects are selected based on a number of factors including: need, the quality of the garden space, the level of community support, and the thoroughness of the plan for using the garden space. Awarded sites are typically supported with seeds/plants, garden tools, materials (hardscape and landscape), and guidance.
The MRH Elementary School Garden is located at 1800 Princeton Place, Richmond Heights, MO 63117.
About Gateway Greening
Gateway Greening is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers people to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening has been working to provide creative, grassroots solutions to urban problems since 1984. Programs include supporting more than 200 community and youth-focused gardens across the St. Louis area through educational opportunities, garden supplies and technical assistance; and Gateway Greening’s Urban Farm, a 2.5-acre farm in downtown St. Louis that provides therapeutic horticulture and a jobs training program. Visit Gateway Greening at www.gatewaygreening.org. @gatewaygreening.
St. Louis (1 Dec 2016) – Grant’s View Community Garden in St. Louis, MO. was installed in 2016 as a result of an award from Gateway Greening. Twenty eight raised beds were installed and filled with soil. The award also included: 1 shed, 1 3-bin compost system with signage, 1 picnic table, 1 ANOVA bench, 1 garden scale, 150’ of watering hoses with carts, 12 shovels, 5 hard rakes, 5 digging forks, 6 garden hoes, and 5 hand tool sets.
Grant’s View Community Garden has 34 gardeners from the community and as a group, the garden will be able to grow 1344 lbs of produce annually, on average. Produce will be used by the gardeners and informally distributed throughout the community.
For 30 years, Gateway Greening has educated and empowered individuals to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening’s Garden Program receives many requests to start or expand community gardens in St. Louis. Projects are selected based on a number of factors including: need, the quality of the garden space, the level of community support, and the thoroughness of the plan for using the garden space. Awarded sites are typically supported with seeds/plants, garden tools, materials (hardscape and landscape), and guidance.
The Grant’s View Community Garden is located at 9700 Musick Ave. St. Louis, MO 63123.
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About Gateway Greening
Gateway Greening is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers people to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening has been working to provide creative, grassroots solutions to urban problems since 1984. Programs include supporting more than 200 community and youth-focused gardens across the St. Louis area through educational opportunities, garden supplies and technical assistance; and Gateway Greening’s Urban Farm, a 2.5-acre farm in downtown St. Louis that provides therapeutic horticulture and a jobs training program. Visit Gateway Greening at www.gatewaygreening.org. @gatewaygreening.
St. Louis (1 Dec 2016) –Blades Community Garden in St. Louis, MO. was installed in 2016 as a result of an award from Gateway Greening. 10 raised beds were installed and filled with soil. The award also included: 1 garden sign, 1 toolshed, and 1 garden scale.
Blades Community Garden has 10 gardeners from the community and as a group, the garden will be able to grow 400 lbs of produce annually, on average. Produce will be used by the gardeners.
For 30 years, Gateway Greening has educated and empowered individuals to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening’s Garden Program receives many requests to start or expand community gardens in St. Louis. Projects are selected based on a number of factors including: need, the quality of the garden space, the level of community support, and the thoroughness of the plan for using the garden space. Awarded sites are typically supported with seeds/plants, garden tools, materials (hardscape and landscape), and guidance.
The Blades Community Garden is located at 5140 Patterson Rd. St. Louis, MO 63129.
(PHOTOS ATTACHED)
About Gateway Greening
Gateway Greening is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers people to strengthen their communities through gardening and urban agriculture. Gateway Greening has been working to provide creative, grassroots solutions to urban problems since 1984. Programs include supporting more than 200 community and youth-focused gardens across the St. Louis area through educational opportunities, garden supplies and technical assistance; and Gateway Greening’s Urban Farm, a 2.5-acre farm in downtown St. Louis that provides therapeutic horticulture and a jobs training program. Visit Gateway Greening at www.gatewaygreening.org. @gatewaygreening.
As December finally started getting chilly, we noticed that the bees and worms that just a month ago buzzed and wiggled around, were nowhere to be seen! However, after searching high and low we discovered many sparrows, chickadees, and cardinals still making the schoolyard their home.
