Roots N’ Reading
Irna Landrum | Blog | Wednesday May 5 2010Kids see the fruits of their labor through Roots ‘n Reading summer program
“I love broccoli!” was the enthusiastic response of a six-year old during a recent visit by the U of M Extension Team’s Master Gardeners to PPL’s Roots ‘n Reading program. Roots ‘n Reading serves families at two PPL community garden sites in St. Paul. The program combines gardening and nutrition education, literacy programming, and community civic engagement.
In 2009, Roots ‘n Reading served over 35 youth and adult residents and received over 700 hours of assistance from 30 community volunteers. Families tended eight garden plots while learning about watering, pest control, recycling ecosystems, and community beautification. In addition, families toured other community gardens in the St. Paul area and visited Fort Snelling State Park.
The Roots’N Reading summer program brings adults mentors and youth together to engage in activities that integrate gardening, environmental education, and literacy skill development.
This summer Roots ‘n Reading will be tending raised bed gardens at Maxfield Elementary School on Wednesday evenings. See our calendar for more information.
