Blossoming Education: The Westside Story of Growth

Case Study: Transforming Westside Elementary’s Empty Lot

Summary: Sunni’s Harvest partnered with Westside Elementary School to transform a neglected lot into a thriving educational urban garden. The project aimed to enhance students’ learning experiences by integrating gardening into the science curriculum, promoting environmental awareness, and improving access to fresh veggies.

Challenge: The empty lot was underused, littered, and lacked any appeal for community or educational use. In addition, there was a need to create an engaging outdoor learning environment that could also address the food desert issue in the area.

Solution: We devised a comprehensive plan that involved clearing the land, installing raised beds, and selecting appropriate plants for the Baltimore City Gardening climate. Students, teachers, and parents were engaged in workshops on Urban Gardening, nutrition, and eco-friendly practices.

Impact: The project successfully converted the lot into a lush green space that not only beautified the school grounds but also became a source of pride for the students. The garden has since been used for various interdisciplinary lessons, and the produce harvested has been incorporated into the school’s lunch program and shared with the community.