URI Master Gardener Program honored

URI Master Gardener Program honored
URI Master Gardener Program honored
The University of Rhode Island (URI) Master Garden Program has received the top prize in the International Master Gardener Search for Excellence in the "youth projects" category.

The master gardeners were honored for their work on the Desourdy School Garden Mentor Program.

“It’s great to be recognized for the good work we’re doing,” URI Master Gardener Program state program leader Vanessa Venturini said. “There is a huge need in the community for assistance with school gardens, so we were able to develop this program to meet that need. It has allowed us to work closely with teachers, parents and administrators to create school gardens where thousands of children can learn in an outdoor classroom.”

A bequest from former URI Master Gardener Catherine Desourdy provided the seeds that started the Desourdy School Garden Mentor Program in 2010.

Over the last six years, the program has grown from nine schools to 42 schools. Over 13,000 children participate in the program, which provides a variety of learning opportunities.

“But the biggest thing with the next generation science standards is that schools are looking for authentic learning environments,” Venturini said. “Gardens are outdoor classrooms that help schools meet those standards. Students get to go outside and conduct experiments in the garden, learn about life cycles, and gain experience with concepts in natural science, math and environmental stewardship. Gardens are a living laboratory.”