Delightfully Different

Schools: Buena Regional School District
Teacher: Tara Donley
County / Level:  Atlantic / Middle School
Minigrant
Date: April 2026

We believe that by bringing students into the garden, closer to each other and nature, it will literally and figuratively ground them and create more cohesive relationships with their natural surroundings and peers.   It is our goal that by exposing and celebrating these unique varieties the students will gain an appreciation of each other's differences as humans. It is our hope that students will take this new found open mindedness into their everyday lives wherever that may be.

Buena Regional Middle School’s courtyard garden has become a vibrant outdoor classroom where students learn about plant science, nutrition, and sustainability through hands-on experiences. Over the past few years, this space has expanded with additional raised beds and new crops, made possible through the support of the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools initiative. To keep the garden thriving, we are seeking funding to replace the current drip irrigation system, which has developed multiple leaks and no longer provides efficient water coverage for our growing space.

Purpose and Need:

The current irrigation system wastes water due to leaks and uneven distribution. As the garden has grown, the existing system cannot support the added beds effectively. Replacing it with a new, efficient drip irrigation setup will conserve water, reduce waste, and ensure that every bed receives consistent moisture—creating a more sustainable and productive learning environment for our students.

Educational and Community Impact:

This project directly supports our horticulture and science programs by teaching students about water conservation, sustainable growing practices, and responsible resource management. By automating watering, students will spend more time cultivating, harvesting, and maintaining the garden rather than manually watering plants. The improved system will also help students collect data on plant health and soil moisture as part of their lessons in environmental science and sustainability. Our courtyard harvests are shared through healthy snack projects, community donations and schoolwide initiatives that promote fresh food and wellness.