BURBANK : Experimental Garden Brings Life to School

The fragile green life that had sprouted through the topsoil during spring break was found by students of George Washington Elementary School Monday on a small patch of land once used for kick ball.

“I think it’s more fun,” said Ricky Eacret, a fifth-grader who does not miss the section of playground asphalt torn up last year. He and other students speak proudly of their Environmental Science Park, a project set up by the Alliance for Children’s Trust Foundation in Toluca Lake.

In the long term, foundation Executive Director Chris Chesney hopes to transplant the pride sown in Burbank to inner-city schools from New York City to San Diego.

“The only thing that is stopping us is money,” said Chesney. The foundation developed the project intending to target schools with either a high percentage of at-risk children or those affected by noise, air and other pollution.

The Burbank garden was tilled from a former river wash whose sand and hard soil had been covered with pavement for 50 years. Groundbreaking was last June, and it took time, topsoil, compost and elbow grease to turn the land green. The vegetables peeping up this week were planted about a month ago.

The idea behind the park is to connect what the students learn in school in art, math, music, science, history and geography into the hands-on experience of working the land.

Designers of the park are planning one section that will be used to grow crops on mounds--instead of in rows--as Native Americans did, as well as a mini-amphitheater where guest lectures can be held.

A project demonstrating the uses of solar energy is also planned.

Jamie Atkins, a fifth-grader who helped water the vegetable patch on Monday, said she had been worried about the plants during the spring break.

“I was wondering if they would survive,” Atkins said. But the garlic, cucumber, lettuce, spinach and radishes in the bed were flourishing. Another section planted with herbs had not done as well.

“I just like sunflowers,” said Christine Firkins, another student, adding that she enjoyed the single, potted sunflower growing in the middle of one patch.

Chesney said that students often run up to her as she crosses the playground to the park, asking if they can help. Special classes are held in the garden twice a week.

“They really are proud of this,” Chesney said. “They all want to help, and it seems like they all know what do to.”