Two Arizona elementary schools can win a learning garden through a contest put on by Bashasβ and Food City grocery stores along with Dole Packaged Foods.
Arizona residents can nominate any K-5 school in the state thatβs located within a 10-mile distance of a Bashasβ or Food City grocery store for a chance to win, through Feb. 12.
The garden or garden expansion is worth $3,000 and includes lesson kits, supplies to establish a schoolyard garden, a fully equipped garden cooking cart and strategies for garden maintenance.
βAnything can be taught in the context of the garden, and hands-on learning supports studentsβ understanding of food and healthy eating,β said Leesa Carter, executive director of Captain Planet Foundation. βCaptain Planet Foundation is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards and ensuring they are equipped with an understanding of the natural world in which they live.β
For more information or to apply, go to captainplanetfoundation.org/contest/bashas.
The Douglas Spring Trail is a 16.6-mile out and back hike into Saguaro National Park East and the Rincon Mountains. The trailhead is at the eastern end of Speedway and open to access 24 hours a day. Elevation gain is about 3,700 feet. Difficulty varies, but is generally moderate. Video by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star 2020
Camp Cooper seeks donations to upgrade learning center
Cooper Center for Environmental Learning, better known as Camp Cooper, is trying to raise $500,000 to make upgrades to the outdoor learning center thatβs been a Tucson staple for more than 50 years. In the first big makeover since the β70s, Camp Cooper is looking to construct an eco-friendly bathroom and shower facility, along with a solar-shaded outdoor classroom, starting construction this spring.
The center, open to all educational groups and run through a partnership between the University of Arizona College of Education and Tucson Unified School District, has already secured $275,000 for the improvements. And a local philanthropist will match the next $70,000 in donations.
To find out more about the center or to make a donation, go to coopercenter.arizona.edu.
Challenger Middle School garden
Nearly 30 students planted winter vegetables a week ago and will tend to the crops of squash, cucumber and bell peppers at Challenger Middle School.
Students Gabriela Jasso, left, and Leslie Valenzuela admire some of the remaining carrots they pulled from the school's community garden.
