First lady praises Russell Cave's garden
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, October 03, 2011
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First lady Jane Beshear dropped by Russell Cave Elementary to check out its school garden.
When Kentucky first lady Jane Beshear visited Russell Cave Elementary’s courtyard garden, one thing she noticed was a smile on every child’s face. Another was the teamwork as youngsters carried supplies, watered plants and swept the sidewalks afterward. As a former teacher, she’s glad to see green-and-healthy initiatives sparking students’ imaginations and instilling life lessons.
“These are ideas they’ll never forget,” Beshear said during Monday’s brief tour.
The first lady had read about how school gardens are thriving in Fayette County Public Schools and wanted to check one out personally.
“Russell Cave’s burgeoning outdoor classroom with its raised beds and composting exemplifies school gardening at its best,” said Tresine Logsdon, the district’s energy and sustainability curriculum coordinator.
She set up the informal visit with science lab teacher Julie Jones, who coordinates Russell Cave’s gardening efforts.
"Teaching within a garden setting takes hands-on learning to a whole new level. Students must have a sense of wonder, make connections and problem-solve," Jones said.
As the fourth-graders bustled among the different work stations, they proudly showed off healthy vegetables, native flowers, bird feeders and butterfly bushes. Students also will soon have a weather station with rain gauges and thermometers as they expand the garden, which began in April with spring flowers.
Homeroom classes spend time in the garden tucked behind the building, along with science classes and the Science & Technology Club. Volunteers from Lexmark International also work in the area; their latest project is a model for controlling soil erosion.
The first lady told the children about her own passion for home gardening and fresh produce, noting how she and the governor will “pick a tomato and slice it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!”
“I love to go and see what different schools are doing that’s really special. Gardens and healthy eating are important, and a garden can be a great classroom. It’s a fun way to learn,” Beshear said. “This is exactly what I want to see in every school.”
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