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6.2.2022 That’s a Wrap • Free Open Gardens • August Farm Camp Registration Open

Spring Lesson Wrap Up

Despite the cold start, we had a wonderful time with students in the school gardens this spring.  We studied the gardens from the bottom up.  During these lessons we discussed what makes good soil.  We built our own compost to fuel the garden beds. Students had loads of fun getting an up-close look at the decomposers living in the school gardens.  We finished up our spring lessons by planting the gardens.

Our team of talented and dedicated garden educators spent some long, cold and wet days in the gardens to make sure all classes could participate in their spring lessons. Much appreciation goes out to Mary McKee, Amy Sherrill, Shelly Staehly, Ana Skemp and LaKiah McCallson for the important work they do. 

We are also grateful for classroom teachers and administrators who make garden lessons a priority for their students.  The time we share connecting with nature, getting our hands dirty and exploring our food system makes such a positive impact on the students we serve.  
Summer Open Garden Events
Join us for a summer of exploring nature through garden education.

Each week from June 14th to August 18th we will host Open Gardens from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Tuesday evenings and from 8:30 to 10:30 am on Thursday mornings.  The location schedule and details about the activities can be found on our website.  These events are a time to stop into the garden to explore, harvest, learn and connect with nature.  You will have the opportunity to take part in an activity led by a GROW team member. 

Open Gardens are FREE and open to all.  You can come late, leave early or stay the whole time. We just hope to see you in the gardens!

Open Garden Passports can also be purchased for $10 each.  These passports offer extra activities to enhance your Open Garden experience. They also offer the opportunity to earn stamps for visits and challenges completed.  On August 25th you can bring your passport to the Great GROW Get Together to redeem for a GROW t-shirt and as many chances at winning a Grand Prize as you have earned stamps throughout the summer.  Passports can be purchased at each Open Garden event.
Garden Volunteers

Thank you to all who have already expressed interest in helping in the gardens this summer.  If you have ever considered spending more time in the gardens we would love to have you join our fantastic crew of helpers.  

First, fill out the Volunteer Interest Survey to help us know where you’d like to volunteer and what type of work you are interested in. 

Second, we will send you a link to sign up for an orientation at the garden you would like to work in.  Finally, you can easily chose the shifts you’d like to take throughout the summer by following the sign up links on our website. 

This fulfilling work makes an amazing impact on the youth we serve.  Be a part of our mission and sign up to volunteer today!
August Farm Camp Registration is Open

Are you ready to dig, run, build, draw, garden, eat and discover? GROW La Crosse presents Summer on the Farm, where students will plant, tend, and harvest fruits and vegetables and explore where our food comes from. Students will also learn how to identify species and understand the relationship between each part of the farm and the larger ecosystem. We will spend time each day being active outside including: hiking up the bluffs, building forts, splashing in the creek, and caring for the animals at the farm.

Summer on the Farm – Art Exploration
August 1st – 4th, entering grades 2nd – 8th

Summer on the Farm – Budding Scientist
August 8th – 11th, entering grades 2nd – 8th
Follow this link to register today!