Riley Kid Garden Blooms Through Student and Community Efforts

OSWEGO – What started as an Outdoor Learning Lab at Charles E. Riley Elementary has blossomed into the Riley Kid Garden, where students learn, grow and give back to their community. During Open House, families enjoyed fresh vegetables and flowers grown by students.

Made possible through Renaissance Grant funding and generous support from Burke’s Do It Yourself Center, the Riley Home and School Association, families, staff and community partners, the garden now features 10 raised beds.

Throughout last spring, students learned how to plant seeds, start seedlings and care for young plants. In June, students transferred the seedlings to the garden, where Riley staff, families and volunteers helped water, weed and maintain the garden throughout the summer.

“We want our students to understand that learning can happen everywhere, that caring for something takes time and effort, and that when a community works together, we can create something meaningful that benefits everyone,” said Principal Tracy Eygnor.

The Riley Kid Garden is a living example of what can happen when a community grows, learns and gives back together.