Growing GFE’s Paddock Peace Garden into Outdoor Learning Space

Thanks to a one-time $20,000 allotment from the Arizona Department of Education and a thoughtful strategic plan for the garden's future, Gladden Farms Elementary (GFE) is creating new opportunities for students through the continued development of its Paddock Peace Garden.

The funding was awarded as a one-time allotment rather than a competitive grant. To receive it, GFE was required to develop a strategic plan outlining its vision, goals, and strategies for building a sustainable, integrated school garden program. Using the Developing Integrated Gardens (DIG) planning tools from the University of Arizona College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences, the school will expand the Paddock Peace Garden into a sustainable outdoor learning environment where students and teachers can participate in hands-on experiences.

“This funding will be used to expand and enhance the existing garden into a comprehensive outdoor learning environment that supports hands-on, standards-based instruction across multiple content areas,” said Mrs. Naya Persaud, principal of Gladden Farms Elementary. “Staff and students are so excited to bring this vision to life.”

Planned improvements include:

• Adding outdoor learning areas
• Expanding planting areas with citrus trees and native plants
• Improving irrigation and garden infrastructure
• Purchasing tools and equipment
• Acquiring instructional resources that integrate science, math, literacy, nutrition, environmental education, and agricultural learning

Work is expected to take place over the coming school year.

Ms. Persaud, Mrs. Becky Biggard, GFE school counselor, and Mrs. Laurie Banta, GFE reading specialist, led the effort, developing the garden's strategic plan and completing DIG training to gain knowledge, resources, and community connections to help strengthen and expand GFE's school garden program.

The Paddock Peace Garden was originally established in 2019 and currently features succulents, native desert bushes, herbs, and tomato plants. The garden was named after the school's founding principal, Mrs. Nancy Paddock.

Going forward, the garden will be sustained through partnerships with students, teachers, families, our PTO, community volunteers, and local businesses. Students will engage in learning activities allowing them to plant, maintain, harvest, and study the garden alongside their peers as part of classroom learning.

“Families, volunteers, and the community will be invited to participate in volunteer workdays and community events, which fosters student leadership, healthy living, environmental responsibility, and strong partnerships,” said Mrs. Persaud. “I think this is an area of our campus where many students will grow to love.”