Stonewall Jackson Program- The History
On Jan. 3, 2017 Sam Fleming from 100 Gardens came to a Master Gardener meeting to present on aquaponics. He also made a case for the need for help at the Stonewall Jackson gardens and greenhouse where he had installed an aquaponics system. Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center is basically a juvenile detention center for boys up to 18 years of age. To qualify for the gardening program they must have or be working on a high school diploma or GED. They must also have been compliant with other behavior requirements. The gardens consisted of a greenhouse, aquaponics system and outdoor raised beds.
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Initially 3 of us volunteered and started going weekly in early 2017. It took us awhile to learn our way around the place and what was expected of us as volunteers. We soon learned how the aquaponics system worked and in spring started working with the young men on planting seeds inside and preparing the outdoor raised beds. We showed them on how to plant seeds, water, stake, fertilize, harvest and even prepare the foods. We found the work very rewarding and it benefited not only the students but us as well. Eventually we became the Jackson 5 and now this current year it has become the Jackson 7!
Each year the school has a volunteer appreciation event with speakers, presentations by the students and dinner. It was wonderful to see how many community organizations donate time to volunteer at StonewallJackson. We now have attended 3 of these wonderful events.
Sam Fleming from 100 Gardens has constantly been a support person, not only to us but to the school. He is very knowledgable about hydroponics and gardening in general. His long-haired hippy look and laid-back attitude helps put the students at ease and develops a trusting relationship. For more information about 100 Gardens please go to HERE
Sam Fleming has teamed up with Rivendell Farms for the Carolinas to create a Certificate Program on Basic Aquaponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture. Master Gardeners have been assisting Sam with some of the educational components. This a wonderful opportunity for the students as they can leave Jackson with a Certificate to help them find employment.
In early 2019 we decided to write up our 2018 project and apply to the Search For Excellence program through the NCSU state Master Gardener Program under the heading "Benefiting a Special Needs Audience". We collaborated together and turned it in early April. In May we learned that we had been given the award! Read more HERE
The program continues to evolve and grow as we develop additional teaching programs through 100 Gardens, the Extension Youth Master Gardener Program and 4-H programs. Lauren Hill, Extension Horticulturist and Tracy LeCompt, Extension 4-H agent, have been very helpful and supportive of the program.
Sam Fleming has teamed up with Rivendell Farms for the Carolinas to create a Certificate Program on Basic Aquaponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture. Master Gardeners have been assisting Sam with some of the educational components. This a wonderful opportunity for the students as they can leave Jackson with a Certificate to help them find employment.
In early 2019 we decided to write up our 2018 project and apply to the Search For Excellence program through the NCSU state Master Gardener Program under the heading "Benefiting a Special Needs Audience". We collaborated together and turned it in early April. In May we learned that we had been given the award! Read more HERE
The program continues to evolve and grow as we develop additional teaching programs through 100 Gardens, the Extension Youth Master Gardener Program and 4-H programs. Lauren Hill, Extension Horticulturist and Tracy LeCompt, Extension 4-H agent, have been very helpful and supportive of the program.
