Healthy choices blossoming at Fremont

While Fremont Elemen-

tary teachers begin the work this week of planting seeds and sowing future leaders, students will be busy planting and sowing seeds in Fremont's onsite garden and habitat.

Last spring, Bobby Bryant of JV Lawn and Landscape, with the assistance of Oasis Water Garden of Sparks, donated his services to rebuild an existing pond in the habitat.

Bryant, leading a crew of students, parents and teachers, removed debris, improved drainage, replaced the filter system and liner, and added rocks for the pond that is home to fish and frogs.

In addition to improving the pond, raised garden beds were rebuilt. At the close of the school year, each class worked together to plant vegetables, fruits and flowers.

This year, teachers and students will continue their work in the garden and habitat.

Students will research American Indian agriculture. Growing a "Three Sisters" garden of corn, beans and squash alongside raised garden beds will allow students to compare early American Indian food with our current way of life.

Rose Painter, a member of the Washoe Tribe, will help fourth-grade students build winter and summer American Indian shelters.

When harvest time arrives this fall, a farmers market is planned to share the vegetable crops with the Fremont community, and teach students the concept of supply and demand.

The garden project coordinator, Lori Browning, a third-grade teacher, said the school would welcome help from the community.

"We are looking for gardeners who can advise teachers and help students to manage their garden beds," she said. "Scouts or high school students who may be working on similar projects are also invited to join us in being part of this exciting project.

"Our community members of all ages have so much to offer our younger generation, and we want this knowledge passed on to our students."