Working at ISA has been a challenge this year. At the end of last semester, our two year old garden site was pummeled by heavy machines used to dig and reinforce the school’s foundation. In the case of earthquake safety, the loss of our garden space was a necessary sacrifice. That garden area continues to be fenced off due to ongoing construction.
To make up for the lost garden space, Samuel took on the challenge of terracing the steep hillside on the south side of the school were we planned to plant a fruit orchard and expand the existing garden for parents in the Farmer’s In Residence program. Unfortunately, due to naturally occurring asbestos in the Serpentine rock on which most of Potrero Hill rests, the backside was also deemed an unfit space for a garden. My spirits were challenged having to constantly adapt to changes. The students were also losing spirit, feeling that their work had gone to waste.
This week, thanks to help from ISA’s very supportive principal, Matt Livingston and the construction crew, new beds were built at the very entrance of the school! Next week, the gardening seminars will have a new space to work in and the new location should bring a lot more student, teacher and neighborhood awareness to our program!
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