Ground Ed has the MOST fun with pumpkins! Why pumpkins, you ask? Because they’re the ultimate fall superstar, and exploring them is a fun, hands-on way for students to connect with nature and learn about the benefits of eating seasonally. Seasonal foods, like pumpkins and squash, are at their freshest, most nutritious, and most flavorful when they’re in season, and understanding these natural rhythms helps us make healthier, more sustainable food choices.

The pumpkin lesson is all about exploring the wonderful world of pumpkins and squash. Students get to touch and examine different types, discussing how nature shows us when food is ready for harvest. This tactile exploration not only engages their curiosity, but also opens up conversations about biodiversity and the importance of local produce. To make things even more interactive, students sort pumpkin seeds and partake in a round of pumpkin bowling, adding a splash of movement and fun that makes learning stick.

Of course, no pumpkin-themed lesson would be complete without a taste test! Students sample roasted pumpkin seeds and experience the cozy, warming aroma of pumpkin pie spice, creating a full sensory experience that embodies the essence of fall. By integrating touch, taste, and smell, this lesson becomes a memorable journey through the flavors and scents of the season they will never forget!

Understanding the patterns of seasonal foods isn’t just a lesson in pumpkins; it’s a foundation for making thoughtful food choices that promote health and sustainability. It’s our way of showing students that nature provides us with what we need when we need it, encouraging them to look at their own food choices through the lens of the changing seasons. 🎃

Let’s talk about a little corner of the world we all call home—a vibrant place filled with one-of-a-kind plants and animals that thrive under our sunny skies. But it’s not all sunshine and daisies (literally and figuratively). Our buzzing buddies—the bees and butterflies that play a crucial role in keeping our ecosystem balanced—are facing some real challenges.

Did you know that our pollinator populations in California are dwindling at an alarming rate? Here’s the tough reality: western monarch butterfly numbers have plummeted by a staggering 95% since the 1980s. Eight of California’s 25 native bumble bee species, including the orange-banded Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), are at risk. The culprits? Habitat loss, pesticide use, and the sweeping effects of climate change.

But here’s where you come in (and don’t worry, it’s not complicated!) There is a beautiful way to support these essential creatures right from your own backyard. Meet the Xerces Society, champions of all things pollinator conservation. They’ve been partnering with our Ground Ed school gardens at Alvarado, Roosevelt, Herrera, Bixby, and Lincoln, generously providing butterfly kits that have transformed our green spaces into pollinator paradises. And now, they’re extending that magic to residential gardeners!

Through their Habitat Kit Program, the Xerces Society is offering native plant kits and resources free of charge to residential partners in Southern California. Yes, you read that right—free! Your only job is to commit to planting the kit and giving it a little TLC. This simple act will create much-needed habitat for bees, butterflies, and other native pollinators, effectively weaving your garden into the larger tapestry of conservation across our community.

Imagine your outdoor space alive with the flutter of wings and the gentle hum of bees. Not only will it be beautiful, but you’ll also be playing an active role in protecting our local ecosystem. It’s not just gardening; it’s a movement to nurture life and ensure that future generations can also experience a world buzzing with biodiversity.

Want to jump in? Learn more about the Habitat Kit Program by visiting @xercessociety on social media or head over to their website at xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/habitat-kits/southern-california.

Together, we can turn the tide for our native pollinators—one garden at a time. So, grab your gloves, get your garden ready, and let’s make Southern California a haven for the bees and butterflies that need us most. 🌱🦋