One good thing can lead to another, and that’s the case for how Kaci Rae Christopher came to join Springwater this year as the new garden coordinator. Last spring, Kaci Rae met Springwater Foxes while working as a guide for a group that assisted with the 8th Grade Outdoor School. “The students were really great to hang out with…they were very active, and we had great conversations, “ notes Kaci Rae. Impressed with the school’s approach of inquiry-based learning, and attracted by the potential of Springwater’s existing garden space, she eventually learned enthusiastically of the garden coordinator AmeriCorps position. This September, she came aboard in that role.
AmeriCorps is a program that provides funds for temporary positions that help communities throughout the nation. Members receive guidance, training and an opportunity to apply their particular talents to a project. Kaci Rae’s appointment is 11 months, and she mainly works at the school Mondays-Thursdays.
As garden coordinator, Kaci Rae is sometimes a facilitator, sometimes a teacher, and always a promoter of sustainable agriculture. Gardening has been a continual part of her life…from her days growing up with a big family garden in Hillsboro to involvement with community-supported agriculture and farmers markets. She recently spent several months working on a farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. “It was cold and dry – they only have a 3 to 4 month growing season”, she explains. “It made me appreciate coming back!”
Kaci Rae has also appreciated the warm welcome she’s received at Springwater. “Everyone has been so inviting,” she said. “There’s a lot to do, so it’s really nice to connect with the students, staff, and parents and be part of the community.” She’s been excited by the enthusiasm of the students. “Last week, we started the weeding process for the garden, and the labor force just among the K-4 students has been incredible! I wasn’t expecting they could get so much accomplished in such a short period of time. We talked about how this work meant getting dirt on your hands…and they all ran out of the building shouting Weeds, Weeds, Weeds!”
If you haven’t met Kaci Rae yet, stop by and say hi if you happen to pass her office in the Gridley Annex. And bring your garden gloves…she just might put you to work!
Article written by: Paul Heimowitz
AmeriCorps is a program that provides funds for temporary positions that help communities throughout the nation. Members receive guidance, training and an opportunity to apply their particular talents to a project. Kaci Rae’s appointment is 11 months, and she mainly works at the school Mondays-Thursdays.
As garden coordinator, Kaci Rae is sometimes a facilitator, sometimes a teacher, and always a promoter of sustainable agriculture. Gardening has been a continual part of her life…from her days growing up with a big family garden in Hillsboro to involvement with community-supported agriculture and farmers markets. She recently spent several months working on a farm in Fairbanks, Alaska. “It was cold and dry – they only have a 3 to 4 month growing season”, she explains. “It made me appreciate coming back!”
Kaci Rae has also appreciated the warm welcome she’s received at Springwater. “Everyone has been so inviting,” she said. “There’s a lot to do, so it’s really nice to connect with the students, staff, and parents and be part of the community.” She’s been excited by the enthusiasm of the students. “Last week, we started the weeding process for the garden, and the labor force just among the K-4 students has been incredible! I wasn’t expecting they could get so much accomplished in such a short period of time. We talked about how this work meant getting dirt on your hands…and they all ran out of the building shouting Weeds, Weeds, Weeds!”
If you haven’t met Kaci Rae yet, stop by and say hi if you happen to pass her office in the Gridley Annex. And bring your garden gloves…she just might put you to work!
Article written by: Paul Heimowitz