Benchmark Elementary School

The goal of the Benchmark School Garden is to revitalize the aging Garden with a new watering system, removable shade structures, and even add additional beds to the area in order to increase produce levels. In addition, the kids are hoping to set aside area for "pollinator plants" as the students are very aware of why pollinators are so vital to our food supply since the addition of the amazing honey bee observation hive in the Living Science Building next to the Garden. The school would utilize the grant funds as a catalyst for more community and family focused programs in the Garden. Programs would include students along with their families helping to rebuild garden plots, digging and constructing a more long term watering system, adding shade structures, and hosting more educational lectures in the Garden area focused on composting, sustainability, and organic practices from guest speakers including Master Gardeners and the "AZ Queen Bee."