Leonardo Chalupowicz is a founder of EnrichLA. He is a member of the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council, and a regular volunteer at Micheltorena Elementary School Garden. Leonardo is responsible for the beautiful garden plans that are made for new school gardens!
Leonardo is an AIA, LEED AP architect. Learn more at his website: www.chalupowicz.com
Today we visited EnrichLA’s beautiful edible and native learning garden at Atwater Elementary with an observation hive to discus all about bees with three classes. EnrichLA volunteer extraordinaire Kelly Burke, the garden head stewart, had shown the kids the film “the Vanishing of the bees” a few weeks ago, so I was very pleased to see how well versed they were on all things bee, and why is important to respect and encourage them. And what they did not know they certainly asked; the questions were intelligent and the comments insightful.
With me were Sarah Leone of Homegirl Cafe and fellow Master Gardener in training and permaculturist Aaron Murphy, a new urban beekeeper who caught his own swarm!. We took turns to teach each of the three classes which made it doubly rewarding ; the kids learned and the community participated. Visiting was also Marisa Rodriguez another amazing EnrichLA volunteer and Master Gardener in training.
By discussing bees we touched on biology, science, nature & geometry, plus how to keep bees – we had the always popular observation hive and the tools of the trade – and why working together towards a goal – like bees - is important, and the delights of sharing with, listening to and respecting our classmates. And of course we had a taste of delicious locally produced – Silver Lake – all natural organic honey.
An to boot on the way out other teachers and administrators wanted to know all about it as well. Would you like to? Visit local group Backwards Beekeepers.
Bee well, Leonardo
Boy, the kids love the garden! Today during their recess time, the students poured into the garden and worked/played with a big pile of beautiful oak mulch delivered for free to the garden by J&T Tree Co. The kids were pure physical activity as they mounted the pile, shoveled mulch into wheelbarrows and distributed the mulch through the garden paths. Ah, did I mention that the slightly acidic oak mulch is really great for our very alkaline southern California soils?
We also experimented with using a pot filled with water (olla) to slowly water, though the small holes at the bottom of the pot, the tree planted inside the red bag donated by Project Food LA. We also mulched the tree base to help preserve soil humidity.
EnrichLA brings together Markham Middle School’s students, teachers, and community members with Downtown Magnets High School’s students, teachers, the Principal and parents for a day of garden beautification at Markham’s Edible Garden in Watts commemorating Martin Luther King Day of Service.
After weeding and mulching all morning, the hard working group enjoyed lunch and conversation, and back to work for a while before going home feeling happy and accomplished for having given up part of their day off for the good of all.
And, after experiencing the beautiful garden spearheaded by EnrichLA at Markham, Downtown Magnets High School wants one too!
This effort exemplifies why EnrichLA believes in installing edible gardens in our schools = cooperation, community, good deeds, new friendships, strong work ethics, exercise, earth stewardship, healthy eating habits.
Making room for the upcoming school urban forest with shade trees and native plants, sitting areas, reading garden and a fountain.
Making room for a new edible garden, new trees, vines and ground cover adding about 4,000 sq.ft. of permeable surface to the urban school, Phase 1 of campus greening, a partnership of LAUSD’s Facilities and Office of Sustainability, School Principal and Community members, the Downtown LA Neighborhood Council, Tree People and EnrichLA.
Please check our Volunteer page for upcoming Build and Plant Day in March 2011.
Under the skilled leadership of founder Tomás O’Grady, EnrichLA brings together community organizations, community members, teachers, administrators, students and the faithful volunteers who participate in all events, to transform an empty weedy plot into a vegetable/fruit/native plant FARM at Markham Middle School in Watts, where students and community members will be exposed to the experience of growing food, exercising while working the gardens, prepping the food plus science and art in an outdoor setting. BRAVO!
Class after class, the kids from West Vernon ES came by the garden to pull weeds and tend the plants, while EnrichLA’s members Tomas, Kelly and Leonardo aided by teachers and administrators worked on getting the new tables ready for a dedication of the garden in memory of Ms.Shelley Saunders, the teacher who unfortunately passed right after the garden volunteer build day last October.
We met Shelley at the build where she worked very hard and led the kids in seed planting; it was clear she was ready to become the garden’s biggest champion. Now her memory will bless the garden for many years to come.
EnrichLA’s curriculum aims to take our mission of a garden in every school a step further by implementing our Garden Stewardship Program, “THE GARDEN CLUB”at campuses with EnrichLA gardens and other school gardens.
Because EnrichLA creates an oasis in the midst of the concrete jungle that is LA – and gives students the opportunity to grow their own food – the Garden Stewardship Program focuses on the importance of sustainability and healthy eating habits in our lives. The Garden Stewardship Program will continue to inspire students, teachers, administrators, and parents; and, through them the community at large, deepening a sense of pride and ownership in their physical environment, while stressing the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
Belonging to “THE GARDEN CLUB” exposes kids to the opportunity to experience education in an outdoor setting while having fun and becoming part of a team.
The outdoor classroom is given local focus, tangible results, and involvement in inquiry-based education that can take place at each child’s own speed. Lessons are developed around six key principles, each one with specific learning objectives:
Gardening
Soil building, seeding, planting, watering, harvesting, composting, worm farming
Environmental Stewardship
Respect for all living creatures and systems, responsible use of resources, recycle/reuse/reduce
Health and Nutrition
Gardening as exercise, local/fresh/seasonal/organic vs. processed foods, simple cooking classes
Art
Painting, photographing and sculpting in nature, recycled nature and trash projects
Outdoor Science Classroom
Work with teachers to supplement LAUSD’s current learning objectives at the specific grade level
Team and Community Building
Student to student mentorship, parent involvement, community volunteer projects
Would you like to bring “THE GARDEN CLUB” to your school day or as an after school program?
Leonardo Chalupowicz leonardo@enrichla.org 213-448-6210
Click here to see the downloadable flyer THE GARDEN CLUB
The kids that attend HOLA ‘s Art after school program and their teachers Nara and Patricia visited Micheltorena Garden yesterday. They were very interested in knowing how to grow food in an urban setting, composting and warm farming, be water wise, solar energy and community involvement in the garden.
After a quick talk and a tour of the garden discovering all the varieties that grow there and a taste test of some herbs, the kids proceeded to draw and photograph around the garden for their upcoming art show on food.
A great inspiring visit!
Micheltorena garden shed gets a makeover just in time for this Saturday’s Halloween Big Pumpkin Festival. 10/29/2011 from 10-5
Thank you to EVERYONE that helped make the garden build at John Adams Middle School possible last Saturday. We could not have done it without your support, encouragement and kindness.
New sprinkler drip system at the garden!
Kids are getting ready to paint the garden signs with flower, fruit and vegetable names.
The ground has been leveled and we will soon be able to put our raised garden beds in!
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project! We are making changes!
Today, led by volunteer extraordinaire Aaron Murphy (from the Echo Park Time Bank) we installed the solar panels (which connect to batteries and converters) atop the garden shed we built last week. The shed will hold garden tools, collect rain water into barrels and garner the sun’s rays to power the irrigation timer, lights, music, tools and appliances.
It has been a very rewarding project and I hope it can be replicated in other gardens as well. What a great learning tool for the school + a demonstration tool for the community = we did it, you can do it too!
Solar system was purchased with a grant from Council President Eric Garcetti. Shed was funded with a portion of a grant by the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council.
We want to sincerely thank EVERYONE who helped us surpass our Kickstarter goal to raise $2000 for the new garden at John Adams Middle School! We couldnt have done it without you!
When you told your friends, shared the link, RTd our tweets, or donated yourself, YOU helped us raise the funds that will now go DIRECTLY toward building this new garden.
I am not surprised at how generous our volunteers and friends have been; if you have ever been to an EnrichLA garden to see the volunteers working, or at a garden build day to see everyone coming together for a greater good, you would not be surprised either! We encounter so many selfless, kind and generous people each day through the work that we do.
The work is never done, and if you would like to join us at the John Adams Middle School garden build day, or for other future events, visit our volunteer page HERE.
Photo courtesy of Celeste Holmes
Students at Monlux Elementary School already have green thumbs. They’ve learned so much about ecosystems, seeds, edible plants and much more. Today, these little gardeners helped remove pesky weeds from the native garden and learned about the gardens friends and foes.
The garden at Alta Loma produced beautiful beets, chard, kale, cabbage and much much more! But…It’s that time of year to make sure the soil is healthy for our new crops. After the helpers amended the plots, we planted tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, basil, thyme and cucumbers. Yummy food is just around the corner!
The Luther Burbank Middle School garden is in full bloom. Early this morning, birds, butterflies, bees and a slew of insects filled the space. Months ago, when we were nervous about morning frost we ventured out and planted potatoes, garlic, onions, kale and chard. This week we enjoyed the fruits of our labor. After harvesting…
The plants at Markham Farm seem to be enjoying the warmer weather. There are signs of new and tasty edibles in the future! Check out this young butternut squash. In some countries, young squash like the one below are considered a delicacy. The native area is full of many vibrant colors that are sure to…
The artichoke plant at Atwater attracts a lot of ladybugs in all stages of development. Great for learning!
The students at Atwater Elementary made heart-shaped seed bombs for Mother’s Day, made from old newspaper and other scrap paper. Each student got to make a heart filled with carrot seeds for their moms. It was a fun activity and as one of the teacher’s pointed out, the hearts are symbolic of our love for…
“Yummmm!” That was the first word that came out of a new student’s mouth. We worked in the garden for a bit and then prepared this quick snack. Everyone agreed that the fresh cilantro and lime juice made the salsa even tastier.
Green Mother’s Day Gifts What are some ways to be Green on Mother’s Day? Start by giving handmade, local, organic, Fair Trade, and eco-friendly gifts. Choose organic local flowers. Most flowers are mainly grown in other countries that use harmful chemicals and pesticides. Who wants to bring that into their home? Green Mother’s Day Gift…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/8/2013 Contact Tomas O’Grady. Tomasogrady@enrichla.org. 323 387 3866 The new learning Habitat and Farm at El Sereno Middle School is to be completed on May 18th, 2013 in celebration of Harvey Milk Day. 200 volunteers will build a mini farm, dry creek and native garden. This schoolyard habitat will offer an opportunity…
The Woodlawn Elementary School garden has well over 30 species of edible plants. Some of these wonderful fruits, vegetables, and herbs are hard to recognize in their immature stage so we decided to make signs to help our garden community. The signs were showered throughout the garden when we finished up the day. They’ll helps…
Hundreds of students at Wilton Place Elementary School came to their school garden today to transplant seedlings. While they were planting, they noticed some of the gardens living things. One student shouted, “Beeeeees!” Another exclaimed, “Worms!” Needless to say, it was a fun day in the sun!
