Introducing Project Green’s Garden Blog

This is where we are going to share all of the magical things that happen in our school gardens. The old adage – “kids say the darndest things” will be tested here as we ask many of our garden regulars what their school garden means to them. As well, we will share new projects and all the goings on within the garden spaces.

Our goal at Project Green is to create gardens that are a safe space for kids to be themselves, literally dig in the dirt, avoid “playground politics” and truly flourish.

Hope you enjoy the stories…

We wanted to share some exciting news to kick off the new year for RUSD school gardens. Project Green received a few grants to assist with garden supplies, tools, materials, etc. :

  • Lake Forest, Jackson, Rescue, and Green Valley received a $5,000 grant from Raley’s. Each school receives $1,250.00. This grant is valid through the end of the school year.
  • Marina and Lakeview received a $10,000 garden expansion grant from El Dorado Community Foundation. $2,500 going to Lakeview and $7,500 to Marina. This grant is valid until January 2025.
  • In May Project Green purchased a $2,000 Gazebo for Rescue’s garden and contributed $2,000 toward Jackson’s new greenhouse. 

I would like to do a huge shout to Jacqulyn Estes, Garden Coordinator at Plesant Grove. She wrote a grant requesting $10,000 from Raley’s to expand their garden. They received the grant last school year. Congratulations to Jacqulyn and Pleasant Grove!!

Two Eagle Scout Projects were completed last spring in Jackson and Pleasant Grove’s gardens. 

Marina Village and Pleasant Grove Middle Schools were featured in the Village Life on May 15th recognizing our new Certified Wildlife Habitat gardens. Please see article here:  https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0Kk7AAH5Qrh6NFANtgH9bAnjMMNz5e1cE8Ja1RRHyuhunxs5vrbEojFS77KQ7mN87l&id=100086454440289&mibextid=ZbWKwL

My goal is to have ALL of our school gardens certified by November. Project Green will assist each school with this project. 


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What an honor it was to speak at last week’s El Dorado Hills Area Foundation (EDHAF) Impact Celebration & Mixer! The turnout was excellent, and we had an absolutely wonderful time learning more about some truly impactful nonprofits in our area. It was also such a fun opportunity to mingle with both Giving Circle and community members. A special shoutout to our brave and inspiring student speaker, Hudson, for standing up in front of so many to share his personal experiences from the school garden. A huge thank you to El Dorado Community Foundation and EDHAF for your endless support so we can continue to make an impact at our Rescue Union School District schools and beyond!
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Rescue Elementary School garden coordinator Courtney Repking received a huge surprise in her garden last week! She ordered 8 yards of soil for the garden beds totally $525. When Earth Traders finished dumping the soil – they handed her a receipt which stated DONATION.

Thank you so much to Earth Traders of Placerville!

Gina received a wonderful email from a parent of a 5th grader… These are the messages that keep us going and power us to do more for each garden site.

Dylan’s safe place is the garden. My safe place for him at school is the garden because I know how happy he is by contributing, learning and being loved on. I don’t know what I’d do without Mrs. Johnston and her garden, her non-profit she’s worked so hard growing! She’s poured her love in such a small place that has made a huge difference! She’s made my son feel safe while having fun!