Jefferson Site for New Edible Schoolyard

Posted on by Martin Ramirez

May 24, 2016 – One team from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Bakersfield class of 2016 has designed and constructed an edible schoolyard as part of their annual project. They selected Jefferson Elementary School as the site for their garden, making it the first of its kind for Bakersfield public schools. The edible schoolyard will also feature a nutrition curriculum for the students. The group and school staff and students held a grand opening celebration in May.

“Our school is honored to be a part of this Leadership Bakersfield project,” said Russell Gayer, principal of Jefferson Elementary School. “We are looking forward to implementing nutrition education into our curriculum and teaching our kids the benefits of growing your own foods.”

Each team in the Chamber’s Leadership Bakersfield class is asked to complete a project and this team saw a need in nutritional education for our public elementary schools.

With the help of generous donors and some volunteers, the Leadership Bakersfield team designed, constructed, and planted a large garden area in the front of Jefferson Elementary at Beale Ave. and Lincoln St. The garden includes fruit trees, herbs, tomato plants, peppers and more.

“Our team was very excited to work on this project,” said team member, Edward Hill, Director of Whole Person Care at Kern Medical. “It provided a great learning experience for everyone involved and will continue to provide critical learning experiences for the students for years to come. We’re very proud.”

The Leadership Bakersfield program introduces existing and emerging leaders to key business, government, and community officials. It is one of the most influential programs in Bakersfield, proven to enhance leadership and stimulate commitment to the community.

 

Garden 1

Principal Russell Gayer receives a plaque to commemorate the grand opening of Jefferson’s Edible Schoolyard.

Garden 2

The Leadership Bakersfield group, school staff and students held a grand opening celebration in May.

Garden 4

With the help of generous donors and some volunteers, the Leadership Bakersfield team designed, constructed, and planted a large garden.

Garden 5

Team members from the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Bakersfield, class of 2016.

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