Helping with the garden was fun, and I learned quite a bit more about plants and recognizing them. It felt good to help out in the community.

Alexia Sanderson, 8th grade student, La Crosse Design Institute

 

A hoop house was installed at the Washburn Community Garden in the fall of 2012,  thanks to a generous donation by Mayo Clinic Health System—Franciscan Healthcare. Hillview maintains the hoop house and coordinates volunteer involvement, including students from Coulee Montessori and La Crosse Design Institute, who help with the planting, weeding and harvesting. UW–La Crosse  students also work in the hoop house as part of their internship program. Harvested produce from the hoop house is donated to the Salvation Army, Gerrard Hall, Siena Hall Halfway House and A Place of Grace. Hillview also built and installed some of the raised beds for senior citizens at the Washburn Community Garden.

One of our volunteers who exemplifies the unique impact Hillview can have is Chrissy. Chrissy, who is retired from the military and disabled, is a recurrent volunteer for Hillview, giving priceless hours and work to the organization, particularly at the hoop house. Chrissy helps with the site operation, gives tours, delegates tasks, and is always recruiting other volunteers. The year she started working in the hoop house was the most abundant year yet! 2016 © Maija Karkanen

Harvested produce from the hoop house is donated to the Salvation Army, Gerrard Hall, Siena Hall Halfway House and A Place of Grace. Hillview also built and installed some of the raised beds for senior citizens at the Washburn Community Garden.

 

Montessori education thrives on real-life and hands-on learning experiences. When students have the opportunity to learn alongside community members, they feel a sense of accomplishment while also gaining perspective on how relationships in the world function. At the same time, they ask questions about why events happen and seek to understand the processes of the earth better. Finally, by completing service learning projects, we are accomplishing our goal of peace education. Students who see that they can impact the world will grow to be adults who will positively impact the world.

Gina Meinertz, teacher, Coulee Montessori Adolescent Program

 

Many of our students have already asked if gardening is something they could do again. They enjoyed knowing where the produce went after they picked it. I think they felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that they were helping others.

Jamie Pinski,advisor, La Crosse Design Institute

 

8th grade students from La Crosse Design Institute help out at the hoop house, transplanting tomato plants and harvesting salad greens that were donated it to A Place of Grace.
8th grade students from La Crosse Design Institute help out at the hoop house, transplanting tomato plants and harvesting salad greens that were donated it to A Place of Grace.

 

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