Autumn is here, and we just finished gourd season in our school gardens. Underneath all the curly vines, these colorful characters become more than just fall decorations; they’re garden rockstars, classroom champions, and tasty ingredients for snacks, meals, and desserts.

Let’s dig into the wonderful world of pumpkins and squash!

Meet the Gourd Family
First things first: pumpkins and squash are both part of the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumbers, gourds, melons and, of course, our beloved pumpkins and squash. Right now, stores are full of Winter Squash varieties, like acorn, spaghetti, and butternut. These thick-skinned squashes can be stored for months and are perfect for school gardens like Ground Ed’s, because our students can plant them in May/June and return to harvest their bounty in September or early October. 

For the past several years we’ve been growing the Cinnamon Girl pumpkin, because their compact vines take up less garden space and each productive vine produces 4-8 medium sized pumpkins. Plus, they are powdery mildew resistant, which allows them to thrive and grow through this common garden disease.

Why Pumpkins & Squash Are Perfect for School Gardens
Besides being showstoppers in terms of size and color, these plants are amazing additions to a school garden for a bunch of reasons:

• Big Leaves = Living Science: Their giant leaves offer shade, reduce weeds, and are a perfect way to study photosynthesis in action.
• Fast Growers: Great for engaging younger students since they can actually see daily progress!
• Pollinator Paradise: Their bright yellow blossoms attract bees, butterflies, and garden curiosity.
• Edible Education: From seeds to snacks, kids can experience the full life cycle of a plant, and the harvest is equally fun, though you might need a wheelbarrow!
  
  

From Garden to Table:
Pumpkins and squash are not just pretty faces, they’re delicious and nutritious, too! Pumpkins pack a ton of vitamin C along with potassium. And a single tablespoon of pumpkin seeds offers plenty of magnesium along with heart-healthy omega-6 fatty acids. 

Here are a few simple recipe ideas:

• Roasted Squash Bites: Cube and roast with olive oil and cinnamon.
• Pumpkin Smoothies: Blend with banana, yogurt, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
• Squash Soup Day: A cozy classroom event that brings everyone together (bonus: use garden herbs!)
• Seeds For Snacks and Salads: Dry roast them in a skillet or in the oven, seasoned with salt or other delicious spices, savory or sweet.
  
  

Pro Tips for Growing Success

• Give ‘Em Space: These plants love to sprawl. Create a designated “vine zone,” try a vertical trellis, or seek out a compact variety like Cinnamon Girl. If you have a large space and want really big pumpkins, we suggest trying the Renegade variety.
• Mulch Up: This helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Watch for Pests: Squash bugs and vine borers can be troublemakers - keep an eye out and always check for these visitors under the leaves!
  
  

Celebrate The Season!
Growing pumpkins and squash connects kids and grownups alike with the rhythms of nature, and the reward is vibrant vines, brilliant blossoms, and tasty treasures. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, making soup, or just admiring their beauty as they make their way across your garden, we can be thankful for these engaging plants that provide so much! Next year, try planting these winter-wonders in late Spring and see what sprouts for your students!

Kids are naturally curious; about bugs, trees, animals, and all the weird and wonderful things in nature. In a world facing growing environmental challenges; from climate change to dwindling natural resources, it's more important than ever to teach the next generation to care for our planet. That’s why environmental literacy in elementary schools is so vital. By introducing young learners to the wonders of nature and the impact of human actions, we’re not just teaching science, we’re nurturing curiosity, responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to protecting the world around them.

How It Started
Back in 2003, California established the Education and Environment Initiative (EEI), and by 2004, the State Board of Education approved the Environmental Principles and Concepts that were to be developed, mandating their inclusion in textbook criteria for subjects like science, history, and English language arts. The concepts were developed, and the final EEI curriculum was approved by the Board in 2010. In 2018 Senate Bill 720 was passed, ensuring environmental literacy remains a long-term priority for California schools. 

How It’s Going
The California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI) is a statewide effort that’s leading the charge to integrate environmental education into K–12 classrooms. CAELI works with school districts, educators, and community partners to make environmental literacy a core part of the educational experience. Their mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to meaningful, standards-based environmental learning. To date, fewer than 20% of schools have fully integrated environmental literacy into their curriculum, but we’re positive we’re on the right track.

“The new California Environmental Literacy Landscape Analysis report reveals encouraging progress in promoting environmental literacy in California, but it also highlights the need for further support to ensure all students have access to environment-based experiences,” shared Ten Strands CEO Karen Cowe. Ten Strands is an organization based in California that acts as a collaborative glue, bringing organizations and agencies together to provide more access to teachers so they can give students engaging environment-based educational experiences.

Ahead of the Curve
Ground Education has been bringing outdoor learning directly to schools for more than 9 years. We do this by transforming schoolyards into living classrooms, providing hands-on environmental science experiences where students can explore plant life, soil, ecosystems, and sustainability, right on their own campus. It not only eliminates any barriers to transportation, but also removes any economic constraints because it’s part of the regular school day, rather than an extra-curricular, out-of-school program. We meet with organizations like Ten Strands and their cohorts to remain connected to developments in campus efforts throughout California to ensure we’re using best practices for students to stay engaged in nature.

By aligning with CAELI’s and EEI’s goals, Ground Education helps bridge the gap between policy and practice. Our goals are to enrich science, math, and literacy curriculum while connecting students to nature in a way that’s accessible and relevant. It’s so rewarding to know we are already supporting statewide initiatives to make environmental literacy a reality for all students.

Environmental education is not just about teaching facts; it’s about shaping future problem-solvers and environmental stewards. Thanks to efforts like CAELI, California is paving the way for a more sustainable and informed generation.

​This summer, our garden education program is crawling with excitement—thanks to ants! Over the next seven weeks, a mighty team of intrepid Ground Ed educators are giving students a new kind of farm to explore.

Across LBUSD, students are diving headfirst into the hidden, bustling world of ants, those tiny yet powerful members of our garden ecosystems. With curiosity as their compass, children are discovering how these insects play an essential role in the environment and learning a lot about themselves in the process.

Our newest summer hands-on unit introduces students to real Novomessor ant colonies, housed in clear formicariums (ant farms, to you and me) that allow for up-close observation. These interactive enclosures provide a rare peek into underground life, where workers forage for food, care for eggs, and keep the colony thriving. Students watch in awe as these small creatures demonstrate teamwork, resilience, and community—all in real time.

But the learning doesn’t stop behind the glass.

Through imaginative roleplay, students become the ants, scurrying across garden paths in search of “food” and using makeshift “mandibles” to transport and protect their “eggs,” mimicking the structure and cooperation of a real colony. This kinesthetic experience helps complex concepts like ecosystems, biodiversity, and food chains become tangible and real. And by observing how these industrious insects contribute to soil health, seed dispersal, and pest control, students begin to understand that every creature, no matter how small, has a vital role to play. 
Then it’s off to the garden! Inspired by their tiny teachers, students get their hands dirty planting seeds, tasting ripe summer fruits, and enjoying nature. These activities deepen their connection to the land, fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility for the world around them.
At its heart, this unique summer program is about much more than insects and gardens. It’s about cultivating care. We’re thrilled to help nurture the next generation of environmental stewards, teaching them to look closer, dig deeper, and act with empathy, one tiny ant at a time.
We hope we’ve inspired newfound appreciation for the next time you spot a tiny ant on its journey near your home. Ant-sy to learn more? Stay in touch via social media.

This May, Ground Ed took a few special road trips—this time with a precious cargo of newly hatched chicks! Our team of educators traveled to Pasadena to visit St. Rita School and Frostig School, their communities deeply impacted by the recent fires. With a mission to bring a little comfort and a lot of smiles, we delivered some much-needed fuzzy joy into the hearts of these schoolyards.

Our educators guided students through gentle interactions with the chicks, while teaching about the chicken life cycle and the broader wonders of nature. “One of the best parts of our job is helping share the magic of the natural world with students,” said Ground Ed educator Amy Rosenberg. “Watching their faces light up as they hold a baby chick—it’s just priceless.”

Students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as teachers and staff, all had the chance to experience the calming presence of the chicks. There’s something uniquely special about holding a baby animal, something that inspires awe, tenderness, and connection in people of all ages.

Kai C., a student at Frostig School, shared: “You made my day amazing when you brought the chicks.”

Frostig School is located at the edge of Altadena and enrolls students with learning differences, providing a wide range of specialized academic, elective, and support services to help students thrive. St. Rita is a K–8 Catholic school with a strong focus on STEM and academic excellence. Although both campuses were physically unharmed by the fires, many of their students and families experienced serious personal loss and displacement during the crisis earlier this school year.

In the face of these challenges, our chick visits were a small but meaningful way to bring calm, happiness, and connection to the school communities. We were honored to share this moment and extend our chick lesson beyond our district—one tiny peep at a time.

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. 🌱🦋

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in your school cafeteria? I mean, like really wondered? Well, let me tell you, the Ground Ed team just had an experience that has us feeling all kinds of inspired!

First, a huge shoutout to LBUSD Nutrition Services for inviting us into their world, where the magic of school meals happens. Picture this: kitchens humming with energy, passionate teams chopping, cooking, and prepping with the care and precision of chefs in a five-star restaurant. It’s no exaggeration to say there’s a whole lot of labor, time, effort, and most importantly, LOVE going into ensuring every student from elementary to high school gets a nutritious and balanced meal. It’s truly a labor of heart.

As the Ground Ed team, we’ve always been all about promoting healthy eating through our school gardens. There’s something beautiful about teaching kids to connect with the earth, to understand where their food comes from, and how it fuels their bodies. But seeing how that same mission carries through to the cafeteria was honestly everything. Knowing that the food our students enjoy in the cafeteria is a continuation of the lessons they’re learning in the garden? YES! That’s what we’re all about.

What really blew us away was how the Farm-to-School program comes to life. Fresh, local produce—yes, the same produce we teach kids to grow in our garden—is making its way from nearby farms to school plates. It’s like seeing the full circle of Ground Ed’s mission in real time, and our team couldn’t have been more geeked out about it all! Trust me, you could feel the energy bouncing off the walls with excitement.

And while we’re shouting out awesomeness, we can’t forget to give major love to Sherri, the superstar who made it all happen. Her passion and commitment to collaboration have truly taken this partnership to the next level. Sherri, you’re a rockstar, and we are beyond grateful for everything you do to make these connections possible.

This experience was an incredible reminder that when we work together—school gardens, cafeteria teams, and community programs—we can create something really special for our students. From farm to tray, this is what nourishing young minds and bodies looks like, and we’re here for it all. 💚

Until next time, keep planting those seeds of knowledge and let’s keep growing—together!