Eagle Scout candidate Benjamin Painter has spearheaded an effort to bring gardening to students at Independence High School. On Saturday, Feb. 5, Benjamin led a group of Boy Scout volunteers to build and install garden boxes on the school campus.

The garden was created to serve Independence High School students as well as developmentally disabled students at the neighboring Gateway program. The garden is designed for all ability levels and includes a planting box created to accommodate wheelchairs. The shared space will provide an outdoor classroom where students will plant and care for flowers, fruit and vegetables.

A grant from the Liberty Union High School District Educational Foundation provided initial funding for the garden. However, supplies are still needed. Donations including soil, plants, seeds, gardening tools, green houses and fruit trees would be greatly appreciated.

If you have items to donate, call Mel Kysh at 925-634-2589, ext. 1027 or Joy Crum at ext. 1061.

– Contributed by Kristen La Follette