LSU AGCENTER PARTNERS TO PROMOTE GARDENING, HEALTH IN NELA

More than gardens are blooming in Ouachita Parish as LSU AgCenter experts join Northeast Louisiana Master Gardener volunteers to support flourishing community partnerships in area school and neighborhood gardens.
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“Gardening is a great way to build partnerships in the community and get people involved; it’s a win-win,” said AgCenter horticulture agentKerry Heafner. “There is a tremendous number of folks who are doing things out in the community, and it has been a great way to funnel volunteer work into these local projects.”

Collaborations with the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana community garden and the Shady Grove Elementary School garden project have offered many opportunities for partnerships, Heafner said.

“The LSU AgCenter has been instrumental in providing the skills and knowledge we need to have a garden that thrives,” said Children’s Coalition executive director Lynn Clark.

Located in downtown Monroe at 117 Hall Street, the model outdoor learning classroom includes gardens with 25 raised beds, a playground and a gathering place for children, parents and early childhood educators to learn how to promote positive family interactions.

“It has really been a powerful partnership,” Clark said.

Since the first planting of hot-weather vegetables in June 2018, all harvested produce has been used in educational activities and the Early Head Start feeding program for 134 children in 10 classrooms throughout the community, Clark said.
On the third Saturday each month, the Children’s Coalition sponsors Super Saturday, an outreach program held in the garden. The event consistently draws more than 100 youth and adults and a host of community partners who provide learning activities designed to promote health and nutrition, physical activity and family play.

AgCenter nutrition experts present food demonstrations and nutrition lessons, while 4-H agents and 4-H teens assist with outdoor games and general garden maintenance. Volunteers with the Northeast Louisiana Master Gardener Association sponsor general garden education programs for youth and adults.

“This is a true regional partnership for us,” said AgCenter nutrition agent Markaye Russell.

Encouraging families with children to eat together, consume fresh vegetables and try new things is the goal of the AgCenter nutrition educational outreach, she said.

“When children are hands-on in the garden, they are thrilled to get to pick and see the produce prepared, and they are more motivated to try new foods,” Russell said.

AgCenter West Carroll Parish 4-H agent Alayna Jackson and 4-H member Kevin Albritton recently brought yoga games and worked with youth in the garden.

Albritton, a 4-H shooting sports ambassador, said he was inspired to take part because he likes helping others and wants to expand his leadership skills.

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