Welcome to Emerson Avenue Community Garden! Our mission is to foster environmental stewardship, community connection, and lifelong learning. At the heart of our garden lies a cherished outdoor classroom that has brought joy, education, and unity to our community. Now, we need your help to restore and enhance this vital space.
Why the Outdoor Classroom Matters
The Outdoor classroom is a gathering place where our community comes to life. Over the years, it has hosted:
- Storytime sessions where children's imaginations soar.
- Luncheons with seniors, creating connections across generations.
- Drum circles that resonate with rhythm and unity.
- Science class projects sparking curiosity and discovery.
- Stretching sessions with LMU Women’s Basketball and the Didi Hirsch Senior Center.
- Field trips from Cowan Elementary School, where students explore and plant seeds of knowledge.
- Boy Scout projects that teach valuable life skills.
- Girl Scout and Brownie meetings fostering friendship and growth.
- Breast cancer Zumba fundraisers bringing the community together for a cause.
- Master gardener-led workshops on topics such as composting, soil health, water-wise gardening, tree pruning, and native California plants.
- Meditation classes providing a serene environment for mindfulness and relaxation.
- Book clubs fostering a love for literature and thoughtful discussion.
Our Vision for Revitalization
To ensure the Outdoor Classroom continues to be a beacon of community engagement, we plan to:
- Refurbish the cob benches and walls, preserving their unique, sustainable construction.
- Refinish the flooring with urbanite, maintaining its eco-friendly charm.
- Seal the cob with a waterproof coating, ensuring its durability for years to come.
- Integrate a new gabion wall seating arrangement with natural slate and teak, enhancing sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
Our rehabilitation and integrated seating will reflect our commitment to sustainability. Gabion walls use locally sourced, reclaimed materials, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly building practices. This durable structure will serve our community for generations, embodying the principles of environmental stewardship that we cherish.
How You Can Help
We aim to raise $8,000 to bring this vision to life. Your donation will directly fund:
Purchasing materials
- Hiring skilled labor
- Adding new educational features and signage
- Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support will ensure our Outdoor Classroom remains a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community connection. Together, we can nurture our environment, foster connections, and share knowledge in this invaluable outdoor classroom.
Donate today and be a part of our community's legacy!
What People Are Saying About Us
- “As a member of this vibrant community, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the garden has had on our residents and the environment.”
- “Emerson Avenue Community Garden serves as more than a plot of land where vegetables are grown; it is a hub of connection, education, and sustainability. Through its efforts, EACG fosters a sense of belonging among students, parents, educators, staff, and fellow gardeners across demographic boundaries.”
- “The Emerson Avenue Community Garden stands as a beacon of social cohesion and educational enrichment in our community. By providing a space for residents to come together and cultivate both plants and relationships, the garden has played a pivotal role in strengthening the fabric of our community.”
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, including Sony Pictures Greener World, Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa, EarthWorks Natural Building, Environmental Changemakers, and the many dedicated individuals who have volunteered their time and expertise.
Thank you for your support!