Thriving in the Garden (Gerlach, Nevada)

From Service-Learning Wiki

One hundred and twenty miles north of Reno, Nevada, on the edge of the Black Rock Dessert, sit the communities of Gerlach and Empire. The economically-disadvantaged area has a rapidly declining population of 300 people with only 60 students in kindergarten through twelfth grades.

The primary source of the area’s livelihood is the United States Gypsum Corporation’s mine. With wallboard one of the primary uses for gypsum, the towns are feeling the effects of the declining new housing market. With fewer jobs and residents in the area, the local grocery store was forced to close in 2007 and residents were left having to travel 100 miles for fresh food.

The situation was grave but the innovative school responded. Led by Elizabeth Jackson, a career counselor and teacher’s assistant, students created a community garden and greenhouse, with community being the key word. “Even though the thought was crazy, everyone eventually came out to support it,” said Jackson. Support came from local ranchers, the gypsum mine, the roads and railway departments – plus Learn and Serve America. In the garden’s very first year, it supplied produce to the neighboring senior center as well as enough for the students to eat at school and bring home to their families.

The garden and greenhouse are integrated into English and social studies curriculum. “I took them kicking and screaming to the garden last year. But they started to see the value and the difference in the produce. One student commented, ‘This tomato tastes so different!’ Now I have students showing up after school to work on the garden – a complete turnaround,” said Jackson.

Jackson and her students are not yet satisfied. They have goals to dramatically increase yield to provide more food for the community. They also hope to start a summer program in the garden. Jackson explained, “There are no organized sports or summer programs at our school. This will give our kids a more structured environment and the opportunities they need to thrive.”