By volunteers with the LIFE program
Happy spring, Lopez! This is an exciting time of year as those of us who cherish the pleasures of homegrown vegetables.
At the Lopez School Garden, similar labors are underway, providing many advantages to our community.
Last year the School Garden yielded 1,000 pounds of produce, including organic lettuce which saved the school from purchasing non-organic lettuce for $20 a case each week.
This past year, students created a business venture: the Lopez Elementary Seed Company. By designing botanical labels, writing descriptions of vegetables and selling seeds, youths earned $1,750, all of which went back into the School Garden. The seeds can be purchased at Islandale Store.
Recently, all three hoop houses were damaged in a windstorm, stalling the education process for this year’s growing season. The School Garden program needs to raise $1500 to repair the damage.
How you can help:
• Attend the last Locavores Evening Meal, Thursday, May 27, and enjoy greenhouse and garden tours. Receive a free flower seed packet and participate in our scarecrow auction!
• Buy raffle tickets for the “Odd Garden Raffle” held at the last Evening Meal, May 27, 7 p.m. Tickets sold by elementary students, 3 for $5. Prizes: gift certificates to Blossom and Vortex, garden themed pot holders by Nancy Ewert, a wonderfully odd apron by Mary Jenison, oddities from Paper, Scissors on the Rock, straw/manure from Sweet Grass Farm.
• Make a donation! All monies will go directly to the School Garden. LISD/Greens Are Us, 86 School Road, Lopez Island, WA 98261.
• Join us! To volunteer, contact Levi Rodriguez (468-3074), Linda Bartolucci (468-2482), or email greensareuslpz@yahoo.com.
Keep your eyes peeled for our new monthly “Garden Lunch Box.” Appearing in the Islands’ Weekly, this will be our bulletin board, announcing work parties, fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities.
With our youth, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to passing on the tradition, knowledge and culture of food production, building self-sufficiency into our local food system, and providing healthy food for all. Let’s go, Lopez!
