Garden Gathering at Beattie Elementary

In August, LPS Sustainability partnered with Community Crops to host a School Garden Gathering at Beattie Elementary. The day started with a tour provided by Beattie master gardener Karen Creswell, who highlighted the many beautiful gardens and outdoor learning spaces that have been built there over 20 years. After the tour, the group met inside to hear more school garden stories from Calvert Elementary School, Sheridan Elementary School, Dawes Middle School and Lefler Middle School.

This event provided a space for schools to come together and share the successes and struggles of starting and maintaining an outdoor space. Over 30 school staff, CLC staff, community partners and volunteers registered for the August gathering. Throughout the event, conversations revolved around student and staff engagement with outdoor spaces, funding opportunities, community support, planting schedules and curriculum connections. Participants were encouraged by what they heard and many were already taking next steps and connecting with community partners in the room, including Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Forest Service and Lincoln Electric System.

Following the success and excitement from this first event, garden gatherings will be held quarterly to allow for further networking and training related to outdoor learning spaces. Currently, only about half of LPS schools have a designated garden or outdoor classroom space, but by providing resources and making connections, we hope to see the number of outdoor learning spaces increase.