LIBRARY PICK - HARLEM GROWN

Tony Hillery didn't set out to start a movement - he just saw an abandoned lot across from a Harlem Elementary School and knew it could be something better. Years later he was changing lives, building awareness, and increasing access to healthy food for thousands of Harlem residents. 

 

In 2011, he rolled up his sleeves, rallied his neighbors, and turned that lot into a thriving urban farm. Today, Harlem Grown runs a dozen urban farms and greenhouses across Harlem, teaching thousands of kids where their food comes from and proving that one person with a shovel and some stubborn hope can transform a whole community.

In Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood, Tony tells this story himself, alongside the students who grew right along with the garden. 

 

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SUMMER PROJECT DOWNLOADS - homemade GARDEN PRODUCTS

This summer we're sharing one of our favorite hands-on lessons that also protects pollinators: our Homemade Garden Products activity guide!
 

Head to the library and pick up a copy of Give Bees a Chance to kick off the project and talk about the differences between chemicals and pesticides. 

 

Kids then mix up their own homemade, bee-safe weed killer (just vinegar, dish soap, and Epsom salt) and make a homemade fly catcher using a jar and an old plastic bag to test for themselves over summer break! It's a great reminder that keeping gardens healthy doesn't have to come at the expense of pollinators.

 

Download the full activity guide and bring some chemical-free garden science to your own backyard or classroom. 🐝🌿🌱🐞✨

 

FREE DOWNLOAD

We had a wonderful morning exploring the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge during the Snapshot Cal Coast Community Science Day this month! 

Alongside The Nat, San Diego Bird Alliance, San Diego Coastkeeper, and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex, our Executive Director joined community scientists on a Saturday morning to log iNaturalist data observations, and learn how local scientists test water quality in the area. 

 

While we were out, we also spotted a Northern Harrier, a Light-footed Ridgway's Rail, several Silver Garden Orbweavers, and tons of blooming California Buckwheat.

 

Check out the photos we logged on iNaturalist, as well as other snapshots from this fun local event! 🔎🦅

DOWNLOAD inaturalist app

CAMP RECIPE - HOney Cookies 

Nothing says summer like a warm cookie made with the sweetest gifts pollinators give us - honey! For years Green Explorers have loved baking these during camp! They provide a hands-on way to talk about why bees matter and where our food really comes from, and they also make the room smell amazing!  🍯🐝.

 

Download this free recipe, and try this fun project at home for yourself!

FREE DOWNLOAD