From back yards to vacant lots to schoolyards and parks, urban farms and gardens are sprouting across South Florida.
It’s an idea whose time has come as people seek more locally grown fresh produce by growing their own. Another benefit is the transformation of eyesores into lush plots of greenery.
Schoolchildren are also a part of the scene at Green Railway Organic Workshop, a nonprofit urban farm created on an abandoned railway track near the Miami International Airport in 2007, said Thi Squire, education director. Herbs are grown in containers on the 3 acres and sold to a nearby packinghouse. Children plant and harvest, then they make lunch using the herbs.
See full February 20, 2010, Palm Beach Post article here.
Clerk & Comptroller Sharon R. Bock recognized the FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center on March 10 with the Clerk’s 2010 Best Practices Award for innovation in a nonprofit organization. Bock presented the award at The Florida Nonprofit Conference, hosted by Nonprofits First at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
The Clerk recognized the FAU Pine Jog Environmental Education Center for its innovative Green Schools Recognition Program. This initiative encourages school communities to develop cultures of sustainability and environmental stewardship, including school grounds enhancement, resource conservation, recycling programs, “green-themed” curricula, and community involvement. Since its beginning less than two years ago, more than 75 schools have signed up to participate in the program, which is a collaboration with the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties and the School District of Palm Beach County. The top schools each year receive stipends to be used to further their efforts.
“Tap In Too”, a team of students from Loggers’ Run Middle School, will compete in the third annual Lexus Eco Challenge, a national contest that encourages middle and high school students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities.
See full story here.
Our friends at ECO Advisors have teamed up with public radio station WXEL to bring local listeners “Radio Green Earth” – a weekly environmental radio show. Topics include sustainable business practices, how to reduce your environmental footprint, and live more eco-responsible lifestyles. Interviewees include government policymakers, educators, scientists, authors, top vendors, and experts.
For a full list of the podcasts available, go to: http://radiogreenearth.org/blog/?page_id=7
Radio Green Earth airs Saturdays at 5:00 pm, only on WXEL 90.7FM.
If you are a school applying for the Green Schools Recognition Program, keep in mind that your application is due on or before MARCH 8, 2010! All applications must include one hard copy and 3 electronic copies on CDs.
For more information about the Green Schools Recognition Program and about the application process, please see www.ourgreenschools.com.