Godwin Heights — HOPE Gardens has opened a new, permanent greenhouse on approximately three acres behind West Godwin Elementary School.
HOPE Gardens — Helping Other People Eat — is a Wyoming-based nonprofit that teaches K-12 students and community members sustainable ways to grow food, said Julie Brunson, the program’s founder and executive director.
Brunson said the site is an ideal location because the organization already partners with after-school program TEAM 21 and Godwin Heights Public Schools to offer food sustainability and gardening programs. HOPE Gardens also has worked with Peppercorn Apartments, north of the property, to develop community gardens, and AnchorPoint Christian School to the east is another potential partner for future programming.
The new greenhouse opened May 8 with more than 10,000 heirloom plants, including some started by students in Godfrey-Lee, Wyoming and Godwin Heights public schools, as well as South Elementary in Grandville. HOPE Gardens partners with those schools.
“We are honored to be walking alongside them in this process, and in the ongoing partner participation in their continued efforts in supporting our community,” said Godfrey-Lee Superintendent Arnetta Thompson.
Brunson said there are plans for student programming and community activities at the greenhouse.
HOPE Gardens has a 10-year lease on the property from Land & Co. for $1 a year.
Read more:
• Growing skills and knowledge by cultivating produce
• From garden to gourmet, with community’s help
