Volunteers prepare Live Oak Elementary garden for new school year

FALLBROOK – Despite the hot and humid August weather, dedicated volunteers held the first work party of the school year to prepare the garden at Live Oak Elementary School for the students.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, 15 volunteers including parents, staff members, students, and a community volunteer picked up shovels and worked five hours to prepare the school’s raised garden beds for the ongoing education program called the Live Oak Elementary (LOE) Classroom Gardens.

One modification that was made involved emptying some of the garden beds of soil so that galvanized wire could be attached to the bottom to protect plants from gopher damage, a common gardening challenge that many of the students became acquainted with last year.

“This was the largest number of volunteers we’ve had, maybe ever, for one of our work days!” said long-time garden supporter and adapted PE teacher Sally Baker-Opp. “The larger volunteer turn-out is indicative of the growing popularity that the garden program has enjoyed recently.”

The gardens started with a few students visiting them a handful of times throughout the school year to plant, pick, and sometimes taste the bounty. Over the past two school years, the completely volunteer managed and PTA funded program has blossomed into a thriving enrichment program that provides educational lessons to students each month. Teachers are working in cooperation with PTA designated garden coordinators to align the garden visits with classroom standards and objectives.

“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Jennifer Youngren, LOE Classroom Gardens co-coordinator. “The teachers love it, the parents love it, and most of all the students love it, and they learn from it! What’s not to love?”

To learn more or volunteer to help at future garden work parties, email Youngren at

[email protected].