Eight years ago, one parent volunteer planted three small garden boxes at Fountain City Elementary School in Knoxville, Tennessee. Today, the Green Neighbor project provides environmental opportunities for hundreds of students, teachers, staff members, parents, and community organizations. It will be presented by Mark Penland, Environmental Coordinator for the Knoxville Environmental Assistance Center. The project consists of six programs.
Participants have twelve compost bins to demonstrate the mechanics of composting.
They have 14 large garden boxes for organic gardening. Trails encircle the schoolyard and every class has adopted its own spot for nature study. Their efforts extend beyond the school property in the community awareness development. Finally, students and teachers participate in investigative field trips and continuing education in Beyond the Basics. Students have also found positive reinforcement in the badge program.