Thanks to N.C. Farm Bureau of Columbus donation of $500 to Sunny Views gardens and outdoor science lab, students have been inspired this spring to get their hands in the dirt.

Mrs. Chapmans third grade analyzed the soil to see what nutrients were needed. Mrs. Hathaways and Mrs. Huntsingers Pre-K weeded and prepared the beds. Mrs. Maziarkas kindergarten planted strawberries among the spring bulbs and iris that come up every year.

Mrs. Maziarka says, It is a joy to watch children dig, explore, discover, exclaim, and work together to grow food and beauty. The children enjoyed being out in the sun, wind, and getting their hands in the dirt! Hopefully this will develop into a lifelong respect and joy of gardening.

The students are learning to be good stewards of the earth by planting local, taking care of the soil, eliminating chemicals and celebrating growth. The money from N.C. Farm Bureau has enabled Sunny View to buy soil, amendments, bedding plants and make plans for more projects. Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Phipps and Mrs. Keller are in the planning stages of a butterfly garden.

This donation has opened up many exciting possibilities for our students, says Mrs. Maziarka.

The Polk County Community Foundation gave the initial grant for their raised beds and outdoor science lab.