05/29/2026
That is a wrap on School Programs for the Spring!
🐝Farm fair took place at the beginning of the month, and we had the great opportunity to teach about Bees and Pollinators in Montana. Did you know most native bees in Montana are solitary bees that nest in the ground? This keystone species is responsible for 1 out of every 3 bites of food you eat!
🌱This month's Harvest of the Month is Chickpeas and Lentils. Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, have been enjoyed as a nutritious food source for 7,000 years. The name chickpea comes from their similarity of appearance to a chick’s beak. Like other legumes, chickpeas have root nodules that fix nitrogen, which helps to improve the soil. This bushy plant varies in height from 8 inches to 3 feet and grows best in dry climates. Each pod contains 1-3 chickpeas. They are an excellent source of many nutrients including potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin B-6, magnesium, protein, and fiber!
🪱We hosted the Manhattan first graders in the Education and Outreach Center for an afternoon of learning about compost and plant cycles. This group visited at the beginning of the school year, and they were able to see the transformation in our compost from fall to spring. How neat!
🌾We also had the great opportunity to visit a school garden at Cardwell Elementary. We love seeing schools implement new programs. And we love learning from growing!
🩷Now that school is almost out, we are transitioning our in-school programs to Garden Programs! Primarily through our 10-week-long Summer Stewards Program that takes place every Thursday morning from 10am-12pm in the Education and Outreach Center. It is free, and you can just show up for an education garden experience!
