It was a beautiful day but quite windy in the P.S. 230 Garden on McDonald Avenue. We went out to plant some basil and in the garden saw a young bird not quite strong enough and having a hard time flying in the wind. It would take off and then get blown down or tired. So I went over to pick it up and, well, it was pretty easy. The young house sparrow (I suspect a female) was a little uneasy at first (and yes, pooped on Ms. Seitz!), but then she settled into my hand and the hands of four Urban Nature Club Members. The students remarked how soft and warm she felt and how they could feel her heart beating. Then she was placed in the shrouded safety of one of the garden beds until she was ready to try her wings at flying again.

 

Besides that, we pick our first piece of broccoli, which was shared among us. It had a crisp and tender stalk. Very yummy. There were also a few radishes to gnaw on. The raspberries are little green balls right now. Can't wait for those to ripen up. And the snapdragons are in bloom and well as Lamb's Ear in the herb bed with its pretty pinkish flowers.

We also have three additional raised beds on the Dahill Road side of the school, which are doing really well. We're growing corn, squash, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and others delicious things. Speaking of the garden, we are looking for parents and student volunteers to help maintain the garden over the summer. If you're interested, let Ms. Seitz know.




Also, fourth-graders interested in joining the Urban Nature Club next year should start thinking about why they're interested because I will be handing out applications soon. If I receive more than 8-10 applications, winners that display the greatest interest in nature and who have stellar behavior will be selected by lottery.