Garden Project

Learning leaves the classroom as students engage in nurturing life in the school garden. All ages and grades have something to give and something to gain from increased knowledge of healthy living and God-pleasing stewardship. 

In January of 2014, St. Marcus was awarded a start-up grant by the American Heart Association and the Nicholas Family Foundation to start a school garden.  Through careful consideration and planning, St. Marcus started its very own teaching garden and "real green space" in the middle of the urban neighborhood.  In May of 2014, a lot just south of the main campus went from being an unused lawn to a beautiful space for growing and learning. With the help of more than 30 volunteers (comprised of staff, church members, St. Marcus students, and Wisconsin Lutheran High School students), 11 raised beds were built, and two huge growing tepees were put up.  In addition, a composting station was built, and unused tires were strategically placed as small "upcycled" garden beds for herbs like chocolate mint and citronella.  The summer of 2014 was an experiment of sorts to see what students could grow, and how. 

Now you can find students enjoying the garden in multiple ways. Art classes visit to use leaves for projects, other classes visit to learn how food grows and how it tastes fresh from the harvest.  Other classes visit for an alternative recess spot. 

The garden continues to grow and integrate into everyday learning lessons.    

If you are interested in learning more about our garden, or ways that you can help, please contact Jamie Shorts, Student Activities Coordinator at jamie.shorts@st.marcus.org or 414-333-9490.