Barnard Environmental Studies Magnet School -Courtyard Garden

 Barnard's Courtyard Garden is a hub of activity in an inner city school that has a Environmental Theme.  Children enjoy gardening activities and teachers use the courtyard as an outdoor classroom for various projects.  

Some produce finds its way into the school salad bar and is used in cooking experiences facilitated by various initiatives including Chef to School program and other health promoting initiatives.  In the past, a summer camp was run that taught the idea of creating a farmer's market.  Summer camps also use the garden in its programming and help harvest produce during summer months.  

The garden teachers the concept of sustainability.  Children are involved in composting.  Also the garden is a demonstration garden of sorts, in that children can see how to grow their own food.  Seedlings are grown as classroom projects and children are able to bring them home to plant if they wish.  

The school has a part time garden coordinator and is developing volunteerism.