The Hazel Dell School and Community Garden, located in Southwest Washington, is a garden for the students at Hazel Dell Elementary School, the adjacent Boys and Girls Club of Southwest Washtington, and community members.
The garden is on the southeast corner of Hazel Dell Elementary School, 511 NE Anderson Road, Vancouver, Washington.
WSU Extension Food $ense/4-H collaborated with the Vancouver Public Schools to start a school garden at Hazel Dell Elementary School. Construction began in the winter of 2004 with a grant from Clark County Solid Waste/Department of Environmental Services. The Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools granted funds for a 20' x 48' greenhouse. Additional grants were awarded from the National Gardening Association and the WSU Master Gardener Foundation. Hazel Dell School fifth graders planned and planted the Butterfly/Hummingbird Garden with assistance from Sweet Nectar Nursery.
The garden is a collaboration among community partners whose purpose is to provide students with the chance to participate in a hands-on learning experience that contributes to the growth of a healthy community and its citizens. All gardening practices are natural and chemical free.
Weekly garden enhanced nutrition sessions are offered during the school year and summers at the adjacent Boys and Girls Club of SW Washington by WSU Extension Food $ense and 4-H Youth Development with assistance from WSU Extension Master Gardeners. Beds are reserved for class projects and hands-on experiential learning for students at Hazel Dell Elementary School. There are twenty-five raised 4' x 8' planting beds for community members (including income qualified) and school staff. An additional five communal beds' harvest is shared amongst the gardeners and the local homeless shelter.
Clark College students, through the Service and Leadership in the Community program and from the Food and Your Health classes, volunteer in regular work parties at the garden.
To find out about having your own raised bed in the garden or to volunteer, contact Barbara Nordstrom at [email protected] or Jodee Nickel, WSU Extension Food $ense and 4-H, 360-397-6060 ext. 5713 or [email protected].