Needham seeks votes for garden
The students of Needham Elementary are trying to plant the seeds of change – quite literally. But to be successful, they are depending on the help of the local community. In addition to its annual "Trees Are the Answer," fund drive, the school, is going after up to a $20,000 grant from the organic seed and sauce company, Seeds of Change.
The Garden Project of Southwest Colorado entered the school in the running for the grants, one for $20,000 and another for $10,000. The grants are awarded to organizations that help support and develop sustainable, community-based gardening and farming programs.
The Garden Project is asking community members to show their support by voting for the Needham Garden via Facebook.com/seedsofchange or at www.seedsofchangegrant.com .
If successful in its bid, the Growing Partners would use the grant money to hire a garden manager and to expand Needham's garden education program. The garden would serve as an "outdoor living laboratory" for the school's 485 students as well as their families and school staff. In addition, the funds would be used to:
- Develop and implement a "Seed to Table" curriculum where students learn concepts consistent with State Content Standards and the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program;
- Increase the production of vegetables to be used for lunches in for the school cafeteria;
- Launch a student-run farmer's market;
- And host Farmer Days to establish relationships between students and area growers.
From now through April 21, people can vote once per day. The top 50 vote-getting organizations will move on to final judging. The 17 grant recipients (two getting $20,000 and 15 getting $10,000) will be announced around May 5.
The school garden at Needham was stared in 2006 and has grown in size and scope ever since. In 2013, it was redesigned to be integrated with the school’s inquiry-based International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum "Share the Planet." The garden was built through a community effort of families, friends and local farmers who held workshops for students.
Funding for the Seeds of Change Grant Program comes from the “1% Fund,” the company’s commitment to donate 1 percent of net sales to support community-based nutrition, gardening and farming programs. Seeds of Change is an organic seed and prepared food company founded in 1989 with a vision to preserve heirloom and rare varieties. For more information, go to www.seedsofchange.com.
While Needham awaits news on its garden grant, the 4th annual tree planting project, "Trees Are the Answer!" is well under way. Thanks to local donors, the project has planted more than 30 trees on the Needham campus since 2011.
Donations for this year's effort will be used to plant trees on the north side of the school to expand the habitat study area. The area consists of native trees, shrubs and plants that are representative of natural vegetation found in Southwest Colorado.
Financial help is needed most. Although suppliers give the school a substantial discount, the price tag to plant a large tree is about $500. The school hopes to plant eight - 12 this spring.
In addition to being tax-deductible, all donations earn a free rootbeer float. Checks can be made out to Needham PTO and sent to: Peter Schertz, Project Manager, Maria's Bookshop, 900 Main Ave., Durango, 81301.
Skier visits up 8 percent mid-season
Although the snow may have been hit or miss throughout the state this winter, skier visits were right on target. According to the latest numbers from Colorado Ski Country USA, visits at its 21 member resorts were up 8.6 percent in January-February as compared to the same period last year.
“Following a strong start to the season, momentum carried through the first of the year,” Melanie Mills, president and CEO of Colorado Ski Country USA, said. “Encouraged by consistent and widespread storms, visitors took to the resorts, and popular ski weekends during the second period ... were bustling.”
The second period’s climb continued to boost the industry ahead in season-to-date skier totals compared to the previous season. From opening day through Feb. 28, visitation at CSCUSA resorts was up by 13 percent compared to the same time last season. “Several factors contributed to the season-to-date bump including incredible conditions, consistent snowfall, enjoyable winter temperatures, and positive economic news," said Mills. "Also, an Olympic year always tends to generate excitement around skiing."
Occupancy at a sample of resort lodging properties saw a more modest boost during mid-season, according to figures provided to CSCUSA by DestiMetrics. Occupancy increased 2.9 percent during January and February compared to the same time last season.
With the season wrapping up in most of the state this weekend, cautious optimism continues. “Spring break business is encouraging, a late Easter helps to stretch out visits, and we’re hoping the consistent snow storms continue,” said Mills.
– Missy Votel