Eisenhut Elementary School received a generous grant from ASES (an after school education and safety program) to purchase materials and equipment for a school garden. Principal Dru Howenstine and teacher Noella Goodyear designed the garden to coincide with local agriculture. Stanislaus Union school district employees, Jim Cecil and Bobby Hovarter spent the summer assembling planter boxes, installing the water system and sink. Community members Mr. and Mrs. Alex Serrato and Mr. Gary Black supported Noella Goodyear in planting and completing the irrigation system.

The garden is provides extensions to curriculum both during and after school.  Garden lessons link to the California State Standards in science, nutrition and social studies.  Most students have little exposure to the agriculture of the Central Valley.  The garden provides real life experiences with production of food and the importance of maintaining farm land.

All staff and students are encouraged to use the garden for exciting subjects like botany, zoology and entomology. 

Students recently used produce from the garden to prepare a salsa and cucumber salad for after school students.

Students are responsible for maintaining the garden; weeding, removal of debris, fertilizing and organic pest management. Students must apply to be on the the Eisenhut Garden Crew, and we have received a great response. Feedback from students shows a sense of pride and accomplishment in the garden.

Grover Landscape Services provided the school with free compost material.  Students use this compost along with scraps from the lunch program to maintain a compost pile.

Neighbors keep an eye on the garden during weekends and holidays. They often offer suggestions, bring cuttings and seedlings to add to our growing collection. Outdoor furniture was purchased to use for picnics and demonstrations.

"Before" Photo