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Author: sperez

Crossroads School

Westfield

Mid-July Garden Photos

It’s mid-July, and the garden is coming along well!!

image of several thriving plants and flowers in pots and raised garden beds inside the Crossroads garden
close up photo of bright bushy basil plant inside a black pot
Image of thriving cucumber and tomato plants and several flowers inside the Crossroads garden
photo of green pepper plant and purple flowers in wooden raised garden bed
photo of Crossroads school garden that includes thriving marigolds and bright pink, white and purple flowers

Crossroads School

Westfield

First Harvest

First vegetable harvest of peppers, zucchini, and wax beans.

Photo of long green pepper growing on a plant
photo of three large zucchini and small green pepper on top of a wooden desk.
image of freshly harvested wax beans on a paper towel inside a woven brown wicker basket

Crossroads School

Westfield

Beginning of June Progress

Plants are continuing to grow!!

image of young plants supported by wire tomato cages in wooden raised garden
image of growing plants in pots and raised wooden garden bed
image of plants and flowers in pots and raised garden bed
wide photo of the Crossroads outdoor garden
image of growing plants surrounded the fence of the garden
sunflowers and lettuce plants growing in pots inside the crossroads garden
image of raised garden beds in the Crossroads garden with the school playground in the background

Crossroads School

Westfield

Repotting Cucumber Seeds/Grow Lights

Students at Crossroads repotted cucumber seeds that were sprouted using the ZipGrow Hydroponic garden that we received a few years ago from the County STEM grant.

Image of collection of cucumber seedlings in small biodegradable fiber pots spread out on a large wooden table.
Overhead photo of young cucumber seedlings in biodegradable fiber pots and square plastic pots

Hanson Park Conservancy

Cranford

The Growing Season Has Begun at Hanson Park

Hanson Park Conservancy is grateful for the seedlings from Groundwork Elizabeth for our ADA planter.

We are growing cucumbers, peppers, rosemary, eggplant, kale and dill.

Our volunteers check on it daily to water and weed.

Image of ADA black planter filled with cucumber, pepper, rosemary and dill and other plants.

Neighborhood House Association School

Plainfield

The tree planting experience for the preschoolers was a joyful and educational adventure, filled with excitement and a sense of purpose. As they dug into the earth, their tiny hands planting saplings, they felt a deep connection to nature.

Each child took pride in nurturing their little trees, understanding that they were contributing to a greener planet. This hands-on activity sparked their curiosity about the environment, teaching them the importance of caring for living things and fostering a sense of responsibility. The smiles on their faces reflected not just fun, but a budding awareness of their role in protecting the Earth for future generations.

Photo of Neighborhood House students and teachers pressing the soil where they will plant trees.
Neighborhood House students and teacher pressing the soil around their newly planted tree. One student and teacher high-five each other in excitement over their completed task.
Neighborhood House students and teachers marveling at their newly planted tree
Overhead shot of the students and teachers prepping the soil for their new tree

Morris-Union Jointure Commission

New Providence

Planting an Apple Tree

Students from DLC had a wonderful hands-on learning experience this week! They welcomed a new apple tree to the campus, learning exactly how to plant it and what it takes to help it grow and thrive. It was a fantastic lesson in nature and responsibility that our students will get to watch grow for years to come.

Picture of Morris-Union Jointure Commission teachers, students and Union County staff gathered around the newly planted apple tree
Picture of Morris-Union Jointure Commission's Developmental Learning Center teachers, students and Union County staff planting the apple tree

John Marshall School No. 20

Elizabeth

Green Today, Better Tomorrow

John Marshall School No. 20 students, faculty and Groundworks Elizabeth staff smile and pose for the camera in front of the school

We had a large group of students attend this tree planting! We were so happy to see these students come out to learn more about their apple tree!

John Marshall School No. 20 students and faculty receive a presentation from Groundworks Elizabeth staff member, Ashley.

Ashley from Groundworks Elizabeth explained to the students how apple trees can range from small, which is about 2-3 meters tall, to a large tree, which range over 10 meters tall! She also mentioned a healthy and mature apple tree can produce hundreds of apples in a year!

John Marshall School No. 20 students and Groundworks Elizabeth staff planting the apple tree
John Marshall School No. 20 students and faculty receive a presentation from Groundworks Elizabeth staff member, Ashley.
John Marshall School No. 20 students and Groundworks Elizabeth staff planting the apple tree

Thank you again for having the students come out for Groundworks Elizabeth wonderful presentation 😊

Terence C. Reilly School No. 7

Elizabeth

Roots for the Future

Welcome back to another tree planting! On the County’s continuous journey to different locations, we are beyond excited to visit the teachers and students at Terence C. Reilly!

This year, the students were awarded a Cherry tree🍒. Here is a fun fact that the students learned today:

There are two main types of cherries: sweet cherries, which are normally eaten fresh, and tart cherries, which are often used in pies, juices, and preserves. Cherries are also rich in vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants.

Shoutout to Ashley and Stephanie for the wonderful work that they do😊!

Terence C. Reilly students and Groundworks Elizabeth staff prepare the cherry tree for planting
School No. 7 students, faculty, Groundworks Elizabeth staff and a Union County representative pose for a picture in front of the school
School No. 7 students and Groundworks Elizabeth staff finish planting cherry tree, covering all roots with soil
School No. 7 students, faculty, Groundworks Elizabeth staff and a Union County representative pose for a picture behind their newly planted cherry tree

Peterstown Community Center

Elizabeth

The Gift that Keeps Growing

We are so excited for the apple tree that has been planted for Peterstown Community Center!

Apple trees can live for fifty to one-hundred years or more when well cared for. The young trees will need regular care, including watering and monitoring, to help them grow strong and healthy. We look forward to watching them flourish over the years, serving as a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished when a community works together toward a common goal! 

Peterstown Community Center, Groundworks Elizabeth staff and Union County representatives smile and pose for the camera with their new apple tree
Groundworks Elizabeth staff planting the apple tree
Groundworks Elizabeth staff giving brief presentation to Peterstown Community Center members before planting apple tree