Redeemer Lutheran School

The 20 ft by 60 ft orchard will be placed on the lower elementary playground where 140 children play daily, school year through summer-long. Adjacent to the children's 240 sf vegetable garden and 1200 gallon rainwater collection tank, the orchard will be tended by students during weekly Science Enrichment classes, 2 weekly Garden Clubs, and by students of the middle school EcoHero class - winners of the Green Ribbon Schools award for the last 4 years. Eagle Scout candidates from Troop 413 will assist in installation of the 20 grape vines, 3 peach and 1 fig tree. Travis County Agrilife Extension will provide soil testing and assistance selecting fruit varieties. Orchard produce will be tasted in class, shared with the Cafeteria, and donated to Meals On Wheels and More. Children have raised and donated herbs to this organization for the past 10 years.

The orchard will join other areas of our Nature Gardens: 3000 s f butterfly garden, 10000 sf nature area, bird sanctuary, upper elementary garden, 4 Meals On Wheels herb gardens, xeriscape garden, gazebo, an old-fashioned water pump station, and our outdoor classroom with animal areas and covered 'Little Pagoda'