 | | | Eagle Scout Troop 810 working in the Campolindo Garden Photos Vera Kochan | | | | | | A small patch of land between Campolindo High School's stadium and parking lot has been designated the Campolindo Garden for nearly nine years. Surrounded by a fence, the garden currently contains a small bed of flowers along with six beds of beans, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce, beets and kale.
According to project lead Justin Seligman, who teaches video production, art and photography classes, "Quality veggies are shared with students and the community. Veggies that aren't up to snuff are composted or offered to the goats." Although not a crop, the garden also boasts a chicken coop with approximately seven egg-layers.
Normally tended by Campo's Environmental Club with help from the Leadership Club, Seligman stated, "On Mondays, there would usually be students out here, but it's been difficult with COVID." That's when Walnut Creek's Eagle Scout Troop 810 decided to pitch in and help with path clearing and upgrading the irrigation system. Scout Master Bruce Lezer's troop will earn community service merit badges for their efforts.
Eagle Scout Luke Thomas, a Clayton Valley High School student, said this was his first experience at farm work. "We have to find the right depth and smooth out a path. I have a new respect for farmers." He might even consider planting a crop or two of his favorite vegetables at home after this.
Seligman's son, Kaleb, is taking on the project of building a goat fence and gate (ranch-way) which should be ready next fall. In the meantime, Allison Curletto, community leader of Lamorinda's 4-H Goat Project, has delivered three male Angora goats to act as lawnmowers and weed eaters at the garden.
Goats were originally brought to the site last year to eradicate the area of poison ivy (they are immune to its effects on humans). Boots (1-1/2 years), Clovis (1 year) and Grover (11 months) are more than thrilled to lend a hand, or hoof, as the case may be.
Campo's Leo Club advisor and school librarian, Sarah Morgan, stated that the club is in the planning stages of adding milkweed to the garden for the benefit of the monarch butterflies. They are working in conjunction with the Moraga Lion's Club and the Moraga Garden Club.
The Campolindo Garden may receive grants to offset the cost to maintain it from the Sustainable Lafayette's Lamorinda Environmental Action Fellowship Grant ($1,000) and the California Teachers Association's Institute For Teaching Grant ($20,000). That's a lot of lettuce! |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA