The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

To The Eagle:

Amazing things have been going on around here. Very soon we will be breaking ground on a garden at the elementary school. Soon our students will have the benefit of learning where food comes from and how to grow their own tasty, healthy vegetables.

I am amazed at the amount of things that can be accomplished in a short amount of time by a group of people passionate about their project. We have an energetic, enthusiastic garden coordinator in Adrianne Hiatt. She has two girls that will be attending school here in the fall, and has been working with Lower Columbia School Gardens. She brings a wealth of knowledge about gardening and how school gardens operate as classroom enhancements. I am super excited to see what yummy things she has planned for us. Robin Westphall, a retired teacher with 26 years experience, will be assisting her. She is a gem and truly loves children and gardens.

We are planning a Garden Club and will be having garden time during the day. We are working with 4-H and WSU Extension nutritionist Suzie Whalen to make this an all-around beneficial experience. Families will be welcome to come by after school and share the garden with their students.

This is an enormous undertaking that I could not have accomplished alone. It took many people each offering a little and like the ripples in a pond we were able to take the little and spread out to accomplish much. But there is still much that needs to be done. We are in need of donated pots of all sizes, soil, garden tools, shelves for the shed, and gloves of all sizes. If you have any extra garden items that you do not need any more or are able to purchase one or two items next time you are shopping, the students and I will be very appreciative.

I also want to extend an invitation to participate as an adult mentor in the garden. If you want to help provide positive, edifying, learning opportunities and learn a little about gardening, please consider signing up.

I can be contacted at 795-6207 to receive any donations or sign up mentors. Also, please call if you have any questions or concerns. I would love to chat with you.

Little by little, we will make a big difference.

Sheila Mace, Project Co-Ordinator

Wahkiakum Health and Human Services

Cowlitz AmeriCorps Network