Barnes Garden

In 2017, Rebecca Viscuso had a dream to create a garden at the Kelso school where she worked -- Barnes Elementary. So plans were made, a fence was built, and students, families, staff, community members, and LCSG staff came together to get the 8,500 square foot garden started in the spring of 2017. They covered sod with paper, drew garden beds on the paper, filled those spaces with planting soil, and spread a whole lot of wood chips on the designated paths. Seeds and plant starts were tucked into the soil during that first season (and every year since). During an After School Garden Club the first year, trees were also added.

Students currently visit their garden once a week during lunch recess, where they plan, plant, water, weed, harvest, taste, explore, and learn about plants and how to care for the world around them.

The garden is available to all Barnes staff to use as an outdoor classroom space; a hands-on resource for students to learn in all subject areas. As of the 2021/22 school year there remains a portion of the garden that is being planned as a space dedicated to plants that are indigenous to our area.

Volunteers are a truly significant and vital part of keeping this school garden (and others!) cared for and kept up. The summer is an especially great time to get involved, but there are opportunities during the school year as well. If you're interested in volunteering or have questions about the garden, please get in touch via the contact info below.

401 Barnes St, Kelso
School Office: 360-501-1500

Garden Coordinator: Pat Reistroffer

preistrof@aol.com

Phone: 360-751-1912

Activity Schedule & Events