Last year, the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Program awarded eight ‘Small is Beautiful’ mini-grants of $250 to $400 to garden projects across the state.
While the funding amounts were small, the impacts were not. Highlights include:
- 4-H teens in Chenango County learned to wire, plumb and balance nutrients building an aeroponic growing system.
- Junior Master Gardeners in Columbia/Greene Counties learned about plants, soil, biodiversity and vegetables in nine 3′ x 3′ raised be vegetable gardens.
- In Putnam County, raised bed gardens were built at five childcare facilities and CCE staff and volunteers trained childcare staff on growing vegetables and engaging children in gardening.
- Master Gardener and Rise Volunteers established a native plants pollination garden and compost project involving 450 students and six teachers.
- In Schenectady County RISE Volunteers, Master Gardener Volunteers and Roots ‘n’ Wisdom youth contributed to construction of and inter-generational demonstration garden.
- Sullivan County started a Junior Master Gardener Program. Youth gave a public vermiculture (composting with worms) presentation.
- In Tompkins County, three new garden boxes were constructed and planted with perennial herbs to attract pollinators and add flavor to After-School Garden Club meals.
- The 4-H gardening club in Yates County planned, built and planted two garden beds. Harvests were cooked at home to engage families.