Garden In Every School Program

The Garden in Every School program was created in 2004 to educate children and their families, school staff and members of the community about wise water use through the establishment of thematic school gardens that feature drought tolerant plants and efficient irrigation methods. Garden curricula and associated activities are aligned with California Content Standards.

Benefits of School Gardens

  • Builds teamwork
  • Celebrates multi-cultural awareness
  • Effective with various learning modalities
  • Encourages wise water use
  • Enhances academic instruction
  • Illustrates the web of life
  • Incorporates interdisciplinary learning
  • Increases students' self esteem
  • Underscores good nutritional habits

Eligibility

  • Schools located in the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Upland, Montclair, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana
  • Attendance at mandatory learning workshop prior to submitting application
  • Commitment by school administration, lead teacher and district maintenance department
  • One school per city per academic year will be awarded a grant to create the garden
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4

Required Design Criteria

  • Irrigation accessibility within 20 feet of proposed garden site
  • Proposed site must not be larger than 2,000 square feet
  • Use of California Friendly plants and efficient irrigation system
  • Can have up to 6 vegetable beds
  • Use of themes (bird and butterfly, Salsa, Native American, Peter Rabbit, etc.)
  • Water feature optional (not funded by program)

Funding

A grant of $4,500 will be awarded to one school per city each year to include:

  • Compost, mulch
  • Construction
  • Garden design - Chino Basin Water Conservation District
  • Irrigation equipment and plant materials

Sponsors

  • Chino Basin Water Conservation District
  • Cities of Chino, Chino Hills, Upland, Ontario and Fontana
  • Cucamonga Valley Water District
  • Fontana Water Company
  • Inland Empire Utilities Agency (lead agency)
  • Kellogg Garden Products
  • Lewis Group of Companies
  • Monte Vista Water District
  • San Antonio Water Company

School Gardens in MVWD's Service Area

  • 2004 to 2005 Lehigh Elementary School, Montclair
  • 2005 to 2006 Newman Elementary School, Chino
  • 2006 to 2007 Buena Vista Arts Integrated Elementary School, Montclair
  • 2007 to 2008 Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, Montclair
  • 2010 to 2011 Briggs Elementary School, Chino
  • 2010 to 2011 Montera Elementary School, Montclair
  • 2011 to 2012 Monte Vista Elementary School, Montclair
  • 2016 to 2017 Montclair High School, Montclair

For more information or to obtain an application, call 909-993-1935, email Inland Empire Utilities Agency, or visit their website.