JOPLIN SCHOOL GARDEN COOPERATIVE ANNOUNCES NEW GARDEN AT SOARING HEIGHTS

A new school garden will be installed at Soaring Height Elementary School on Saturday, March 20 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Five garden beds will be installed and filled with sand, compost, and eventually seeds.

The Joplin School Garden Cooperative, led by Michael Wischmeyer, has been instrumental in bringing school gardens to several elementary and middle schools in the Joplin School District. The Cooperative was established in 2017 at West Central Elementary, and several beds were installed. Over the years, students have been able to plant, tend, and harvest various vegetables and flowers, sometimes even serving the food in the cafeteria.

“This has been a collaborative effort from the beginning,” said Wischmeyer. “Several organizations interested in food security, the importance of healthy eating, volunteerism, and more have come together to make this garden a reality. It’s inspiring to see the partnerships come alive, and we thank all of them.”

Crossland Construction donated the material and labor to build the Soaring Heights raised beds. Michael and Jeri Lynn Joseph learned of the new garden at Soaring Heights and offered funding. Mayor Ryan Stanley even got involved by helping to pick up the compost needed from Miami.

“The Soaring Heights students and their families will benefit from this new garden,” said Wischmeyer. “We hope to see beautiful healthy plants and vegetables as early as this summer.”

For more information about the garden, check out the Joplin School Garden Cooperative Facebook page.

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