West Central Garden Project
Sterling Community Garden
Joplin, Missouri

The West Central Garden Project was an idea presented to our school by Michael Wischmeyer. He had recently relocated to our area and wanted to find a way to help the neighborhood. Mr. Wischmeyer sought out Community sponsors and was able to accumulate enough resources to allow him to build a few raised gardens as well as purchase seeds and supplies. 

The project was started with 4th grade teachers introducing compatible standards to the students and starting the garden. Students have benefitted from the hands on learning as well as developing a taste for vegetables, due to their part in growing the produce. The project has aided in family involvement as families come out for garden work days and then enjoy a fellowship of pizza afterwards. The project has encouraged families to work in partnership with the school, who do not normally have a relationship with the school.

The students have learned a skill that teaches them to help themselves. While learning the standards are an important perk, developing life skills that they can use for a lifetime is powerful.

Our community partners will use the grant money to purchase supplies that would allow them to build a moveable greenhouse and shed to keep garden supplies on hand. This would allow more activity throughout winter months. Any left over money would be used to continue to grow our garden, purchase supplies to build more raised garden beds and purchase seeds to keep the garden going.