NC State University Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Garey Fox, visited West Smithfield Elementary for a tour of the school’s newly renovated vegetable and flower garden. The special stop at the school was part of Fox’s statewide visit to all 101 Extension Centers across North Carolina.
The West Smithfield Elementary garden renovation was made possible through the $3500 Ag Carolina Grant received and shared by NC Cooperative Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Meredith Wood, and NC Cooperative Extension Agent, Agriculture, Nicole Youngblood. With the funds, the school replaced the previous garden with an entirely new space, complete with 12 garden boxes, decorative seating, an underground irrigation system, and a protective fence. Also, the entrance of the garden features a beautiful sign that reads, “Growing Eagles Garden”, in honor of the school’s mascot.
“It’s important to expose as many young people to agriculture as possible. As the top industry in NC, we need smart and talented young people to work in agriculture and help us solve industry challenges, and develop ways to provide food, feed, and fiber for the next generation,” Fox remarked. “By combining the experts and specialists at NC State and those at the county level with school systems and stakeholder groups, we can have a huge impact on the lives of children and future generations.”
Wood, in collaboration with West Smithfield Elementary physical education teacher Marilee Marshall and Johnston County Master Gardeners Cynthia Mayenschein and Frank Poole, taught 4th-grade students how to plant, grow, and harvest their own food. The project culminated with a tasting party, where the students had the opportunity to try salads created with the vegetables they harvested.
“I want our students to develop a love of learning and to understand that they don’t have to be in the classroom. They can learn no matter where they are,” said Carmen Barnes, West Smithfield Elementary assistant principal. “The garden offers real-life experiential learning by educating them about the scientific process of growing food. It also develops their problem-solving skills and finding solutions through collaboration with fellow students.”