2021-Worldmind School- Planting at Observatory Park with Grow Local Colorado

Start Date-End Date: 06/02/2021-06/02/2021 Land Manager Office: City and County of Denver - Parks and Recreation Land Manager Contact: Barbara Masoner Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Grow Local Colorado Summary: Students from Worldmind Nature Immersion School will plant the Observatory Park Community Vegetable Garden. Description: About the Stewardship Site The beautiful and Observatory Park, home to the University of Denver's (DU) historic Chamberlin Observatory, is a small yet spacious park tucked out of sight just east of the DU campus. In addition to the landmark Observatory which occasionally hosts public events, the park features century-old trees, an extensive playground area, and vast open fields perfect for picnicking or a pickup game of Frisbee. About the Volunteer Experience Small student groups will rotate through three experience stations. Education Station: Here, the students will learn about why we picked certain plants for this garden; why some plants grow better close together; how some plants help provide a natural animal and insect repellant; a more! Gardening Station: Students will have the chance to get their hands dirty when they prep and plant their segment of the Observatory Garden plot with everything from seeds to seedlings. Crafting Station: Students will have the chance to decorate a pot of their own, and pick what type of seedling they would like to try to grow at home. About the Overall Impact The produce that students will plant will mature in the fall, and at that time be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. Further, by growing food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint (food isn't transported thousands of miles), minimize water use, decrease soil erosion, and help develop a sustainable community. Latitude/Longitude: 39.7345542, -104.988121 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 19 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 5 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 19 Total Volunteer Days: 24 Total Unique Volunteers: 24 Total Volunteer Hours: 84 Staff Hours: 0 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: