Clarkson Public Schools Receives a $600 Grant for Improvements to Patriot Garden
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Grant provided by Farm Credit Services of America Working Here Fund
for Agricultural Education
COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA – Clarkson Public Schools has received a $600 Working Here Fund grant to cover the cost of improving its Patriot Garden at Harlan’s Hill School. The grant is provided through Farm Credit Services of America’s (FCSAmerica) Working Here Fund.
The Patriot Garden serves as an outdoor classroom. The school planted it five years ago as a hands-on space where students can learn about plants, bugs and gardening. Wes Pokorny, a Clarkson teacher, said additional native plants, improvements to the walking path and additions such as birdhouses and a bench would add to the children’s exploration of nature and give community members an outdoor gathering space.
“When kids are learning about the rainforests, we also want to ensure they learn about the short- and long-grass prairies that inhabit Nebraska,” Pokorny said. “We want kids to know about native plants that do well in Nebraska. With this knowledge they will be able to help select plants for their own landscapes.”
Children who want to garden but don’t have a space at home will be provided with a growing spot at the Patriot Garden. By growing their own food and helping in the garden, Pokorny said, students will learn the value of starting and sticking to a project.
“We understand that educating the next generation about growing food and caring for the land will pay dividends for years to come,” said Tom Dobbe, vice president of FCSAmerica’s Columbus office.
Clarkson Public Schools is one of 55 organizations to receive a Working Here Fund grant in the second quarter of 2015. FCSAmerica awarded $91,460 during the latest grant cycle ending June 30, 2015.
About Clarkson Public Schools
Clarkson Public Schools serves students in Colfax and Stanton Counties in northeast Nebraska. It serves about 180 children in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
About Farm Credit Services of America
Farm Credit Services of America is a customer-owned financial cooperative proud to finance the growth of rural America, including the special needs of young and beginning producers. With more than $23.3 billion in assets and $4.2 billion in members’ equity, FCSAmerica is one of the region’s leading providers of credit and insurance services to farmers, ranchers, agribusiness and rural residents in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Learn more at www.fcsamerica.com.
