Deer Valley High School Earns Grant for Sustainable Garden

The Antioch Unified School District announced on Tuesday that Deer Valley High School was one of 24-recipients to receive a grant to start a sustainable garden on campus.

The $1,200 grant was awarded by the California Fertilizer Foundation who stated more than 150-applicants applied for the grant. As part of the grant award, the Community Based Instruction (CBI) after school program will now match the $1,200 grant for supplies and materials.

Principal Ken Gardner explained how this grant will allow them to expand their current garden which is maintained by the garden club and their Community Based Instruction for special needs youths ages 18-22 to help them with basic life skills.

“The garden currently has some vegetables and plants, but this grant will be nice to help them expand their garden and teach more life skills,” said Gardner. “It’s exciting because for Deer Valley, it means the students have the opportunity to experience working with their hands, learning where food comes from, learning how to tend to vegetables and other garden plants.

Deer Valley teacher Andrew Wilson, an avid gardener, applied for the grant a few months ago and was informed of the award on Monday.

For businesses who want to participate in the garden expansion project, a teacher is soliciting local businesses for additional supplies and equipment and those who wish to donate can contact the school at (925) 779-7570

Later this spring, the Antioch Unified School District will be hosting a ground breaking ceremony. The date has not yet been determined.