Ithaca, N.Y.—While you're reviving your own garden this spring, you can help fund school gardens around the country. Research shows that students who participate in school gardens and spend time outside are not only happier and healthier but also score significantly higher on science achievement tests. However, many educators struggle to find the necessary funding to start a school garden.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is teaming up with Alaska fertilizer and Lowe's to establish more school gardens. Throughout the month of May, Alaska will donate five percent of any Alaska fertilizer purchased in-store at Lowe's to support the Lab's Garden Grant program. This is the second year for the program and hundreds of teachers have project plans for gardens–but they need money for supplies.
With free lessons provided by the Cornell Lab, students will be able to use their garden to learn about bird habitat, nesting and migration, and how to take part in citizen science.
"Central Garden and Pet is excited about the ongoing partnership with Cornell's Lab of Ornithology," said Brian Thille, Senior Director of Marketing. "Inspiring future gardeners with hands on experience growing bird habitat and garden fresh foods and providing teachers with supporting STEM curriculum is what this program is all about. These programs are vitally important, as students that engage in school gardening are likely to experience academic, physical, emotional, social, and even behavioral benefits."
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Media Contact:
Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu
