In 2008, Westville Grove’s Archbishop Damiano School, Saint John of God Community Services, began a community garden, with just a few butterfly bushes, to teach their students with developmental disabilities the importance of good health and nutrition.
Ten years later, the expanded garden includes raised vegetable beds, a fully-functioning greenhouse and, now, a paved garden pathway to allow students who use wheelchairs the opportunity to enjoy and participate in garden activities.
The school celebrated its new garden path last month in a ceremony with students, families, donors, staff, and community partners and volunteers.
In addition to promoting sustainable interactions between students and community members, the garden has served as a teaching tool for math, science, technology, and language arts literacy.