'The earth is the ultimate classroom'

On Friday morning, Pioneer Elementary first-graders planted pea seeds in the garden behind their school.

Their classmates followed suit in the following days, the second-graders feeling the soil on their fingers while planting kale. Third-graders planted spinach and the fourth-graders lettuce. They will water, weed, harvest and eat the produce in the garden created and coordinated by the Harstine Island Garden Club.

Along the way, the students will get exercise, create art in the space, and learn about chemistry, biology, weather and nutrition as part of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) curriculum.

"The earth is the ultimate classroom," said Laurie Williams, a Master Gardener who is the liaison between the club and the school.

The garden launched three years ago, but the pandemic altered plans to get the students involved. Friday was the first time the kids planted seeds in the garden.

"We rebuilt the bones of this garden with lots of sweat equity and donations," said Stephanie McKinney, club manager and the garden's manager and procurer of grants and donations.

New beds were built outside the greenhouse, and an irrigation system was installed this year so volunteers don't have to water three times a week, McKinney said.

"Our goal is to make this a space so students in every grade level and subject area can have authentic experiences," Williams said.

She added, "The garden becomes a living laboratory for all the sciences."

Participants will plant a pollinator garden to attract bees,

McKinney said. The students will plant flowers that can be picked and given away on Mother's Day, she said.

Some of the plant starts growing in the greenhouse will be sold at the club's annual plant sale May 7 at Harstine Island Community Center.

Lloyd Smith, the school district's director of facilities and maintenance, gave the club members a key to the gate so they can drive the heavier items to the garden.

"Even during COVID, he was always here," McKinney said.

The Pioneer Community Kiwanis Club donated money to buy picnic tables.

Brett Lewis teaches students in kindergarten through fifth grade. On Friday, he watched his students plant seeds.

"Every day, kids are asking if we're going out to the garden, and it's pouring rain," he said.

The Harstine Island Garden Club is seeking new members. For more information, email [email protected].