|
The mission of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center is to connect and motivate students and families from
diverse backgrounds through organic gardening, environmental stewardship, and nutrition education,
empowering them to be healthy and active citizens.
|
|
With you we grow stronger...a year-end appeal from Olivewood Gardens
Thank you. From all of us here at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, a deep and rich thank you. In just four short years Olivewood has become a vital education center. Children and families from surrounding urban neighborhoods come to explore the connections between gardening and cooking, plants and nutrition, and science and the environment. With you we grow stronger and have:
- Hosted over 22,000 visits from children and families - over 75% of whom are low income youth.
- Attracted over 800 volunteers- who give their time and talent, from building garden beds to teaching science to cooking healthy meals with children.
- Developed and delivered our innovative program called Cooking for Salud engaging parents in planning, preparing, and cooking healthy food for their families.
Please consider making a year-end gift to Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center this year. We invite you to build our efforts promoting healthy living for children and families. We are aiming for greater impact in our region and need people like you who understand the value of community support. Your gift from $10 to $10,000 is an opportunity for significant success. Together we will educate, empower and inspire our kids and parents to improve their quality of life. To make a gift today please click here and follow the link to our donation page.
Keep Olivewood Gardens Growing
|
|
A 3rd grade student sautes vegetables for |
Olivewood wishes you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
This Thanksgiving, Olivewood Gardens is thankful for you! Thank you to the amazing volunteers, donors, partners, and community members who support the mission of Olivewood Gardens. You have helped change the lives of youth and adults from National City and beyond.
|
Program Coordination Intern Caresse does a great zombie impression at the Halloween Haunted Garden |
Craving fresh, tasty produce?
Try a Farmers' Market Box from Specialty Produce! The box ($20) includes a weekly selection of fresh California-grown fruits and vegetables.
Specialty Produce donates $2 of every purchase to the Olivewood Gardens program fund. To learn more or enroll, contact Kati Butler.
 | |
Specialty Produce
Farmers' Market Box
|
|
A Girl Scout in a handmade flower crown draws flower shapes for her science activity |
Executive Director
(619) 434-4281
2525 N Avenue
National City, CA 91950
|
Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center is a Type 1 supporting organization of the |
|
|
|
What We're Up To:
November and December
In November, Olivewood Gardens hosted third grade field trips from National School District. We also taught a free composting workshop and attended the National City Health Fair as well as the San Diego Horticultural Society's Holiday Marketplace.
 | | A 'Compost Commander' prepares to carry food scraps into the garden after cooking
|
In December, Olivewood Gardens will see over 360 fourth grade students from National School Disctict --in addition to some students from other grades and schools. The fourth graders will study the FBI (fungus, bacteria, and invertebrates) that decompose food waste to make compost, work on soil building in the garden, and learn to make their own dressing for salad!
|
 |
|
Internships at Olivewood Gardens
Olivewood Gardens is seeking passionate individuals interested in education, food justice, organic gardening, and community engagement. Interns will learn real-world skills in their fields of study and gain hands-on experience at a working community organization.
Open Internship Positions: - Kitchen Education Intern - Special Events Intern - Program Coordination Intern - Science Education Intern Applications accepted 12/1/13 through 12/31/13 for the spring 2014 semester
|
|
|
Teacher Training:
Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education
Use your existing school garden to enhance nutrition education for children and youth and promote the consumption of fruit and vegetables!
Participants will learn tools and strategies for involving children and youth in safe food handling and preparation in a garden, kitchen, or classroom. Activities are drawn from curriculum for grades K-7, and are all available for free online. We will also explore how to plan for an edible harvest and touch on Garden to Cafeteria programs.
Date: Friday, December 6th
Time: 8:30a-4:30p
Cost: $20
Location: Olivewood Gardens
2525 N Ave, National City, CA 91950
Click here to register
For more information, contact Diana Bergman, Program Director.
Please share with your favorite teachers!
|
|
Recipe of the Week
Winter Squash Tacos
By Chef Marguerite Grifka of California's Table
Ingredients and Directions for Tacos
2 pounds winter squash
1 can black beans
2 cups red cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, grated
1 teaspoon dry oregano
1 lime, juiced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
fresh cilantro
2 green onions, sliced thin
corn tortillas
queso fresco or cotija cheese
2 beets cooked and peeled, diced small
1. Roast winter squash in oven at 400� until easily pierced with fork. Peel and smash with a fork.
2. Drain black beans and warm on stove.
3. Mix cabbage, beets, onion, carrot and oregano with lime juice and olive oil. Season lightly with salt.
4. Warm tortillas and spread with �" layer of mashed winter squash. Top with 2 Tablespoons black beans and garnish with cabbage salad, peanut salsa, cheese & cilantro. Enjoy!
Ingredients and Directions for Peanut & Ancho Chile Salsa
4 ancho chiles
� cup green onion chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
� cup shelled peanuts, roasted
1 cup hot water
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1. Warm chiles in the microwave for 30 seconds.
2. Soak chiles in boiling water, ten minutes. Remove, de-seed and de-vein chiles.
3. Saut� onion and garlic briefly in oil and then add chiles and peanuts.
4. Place all ingredients in blender and add water. Blend to desired consistency and season with salt. Return to stove and cook 3-5 minutes.
|
|
|
Upcoming Community Events
12/3: Holiday Book Sale
Help fund National City Public Library programs. Huge selection of books at fantastic prices!
Date: Tuesday, 12/3
Time: 2pm-6pm
Location: National City Public Library
Large Meeting Room
1401 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950
12/12: National City 6th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Includes: food, ballet, Santa Claus, museum tours, classic cars, live music, arts and crafts, and informational booths.
Location: A Ave and 9th St, National City, 91950
Date: Thursday, 12/12
Time: 5pm-8pm
Contact: (619) 336-4240
Cost: Bring a toy or canned food item to donate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
