Directory of Gardens
Port Houston Elementary School Garden
| Location | East End, southeast Houston, inside the loop |
| Main Purpose | Education of the students at Port Houston |
| Established | 2004 |
| To Visit or to Volunteer | Contact Port Houston - call Urban Harvest at 713-880-5540 for contact info |
The following article was submitted by Urban Harvest volunteer Sandy Penocous in June 2004:
Driving down McCarty Street, one is surrounded by industrial sites, warehouses and commercial enterprises related to the nearby Houston Ship Channel. But tucked in the long stretch of gray concrete and asphalt, there is a small oasis of green developing at Port Houston Elementary. Thanks to the efforts of Science teacher, Reid Whitaker, and community leader, Ilana Reisz, the students, teachers and parents of this school are building a community garden.
Ms. Reisz was a catalyst in the formation of the Port Houston Collaborative, with the goal of enhancing the area and instilling a sense of community in this congested industrial neighborhood. In addition to capitol improvements to the school campus, she proposed the idea of introducing nutrition to the students through gardening… teaching the children how to grow fruits and vegetables. Mr. Whitaker was enthused with the idea of having a hands-on habitat for learning and sought out additional grant money as well as bringing in his fellow colleagues in the Teach for America program to assist with installation.
"Just one short year ago, there was nothing here," says school principal, Matilda Orozco, as she overlooks the green field, which is taking shape as a school garden. Adjacent to the new circular drive entrance to the school, it is a great source of pride for the students and staff. Students and family members beam when asked about their new project. Ruby, a third grader at the school, says the garden will be a thing of beauty. Vanessa is hoping for flowers and 'many things'.
On a recent visit to the school campus, volunteers were out in force, turning the soil, hauling cement blocks and installing native plants…. and it wasn't even a school day! Since January these dedicated individuals have been working one weekend a month to see their garden become a reality. According to one volunteer, "Mr. Whitaker is the man!. This wouldn't have happened without him!"
While Whitaker and Reisz were instrumental in writing grants and spearheading the efforts for this garden, others have played a vital role in the project. St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities provided the initial funds for the project and the United Way of Texas Gulf Coast donated a matching grant, allowing for the inclusion of a pond and a larger garden area. The amazing Port of Houston Authority donated funds, wheelbarrows, shovels and other equipment as well as hearty volunteers who put in hours and hours of work cultivating this area. The support of the Port Houston Elementary PTO has been sensational and Urban Harvest was particularly helpful in the design and execution and their representative, Diana Liga, was a constant resource throughout the process. It has been a wonderful collaborative effort between parents, community partners, students and teachers.
Not only does the garden include 10 vegetable beds (one for each class), native perennials and fruit trees, but the pond and habitat area will be an active laboratory for carrying out science experiments and observing nature. Parents will assist in weeding and watering and in sustaining the garden through the summer months. It is an outdoor classroom for all ages … a hands-on experience in agriculture and the wonders of nature!
