In March of 2015, faculty and students embarked on their first seed starting adventure with the hopes of planting them in a school garden space. They started everything from tomatoes to onions with excitement for what they would become as they sprouted and took on life.
That same month, the school developed a team of faculty and attended School Garden 101 at Dubuque County Extension. From there, the garden plans grew and transformed with the goals of installing raised garden beds and integrating gardening into all facets of learning. Math students, social sciences, and even technology would be able to get engaged with different aspects of the garden through their classroom.
With much enthusiasm, raised beds were constructed utilizing scrap wood from a local company, Spahn and Rose, and metal sheeting panels. The raised beds were placed strategically in an underutilized seating space in the back of the building. 
A rain barrel, painted by the AVC (Alta Vista Campus) art students, now collects water for the garden beds and surrounding it are tomato plants for a bountiful summer harvest. 
Future Goals:
Alternative Learning center plans on expanding upon their growing areas and developing an outdoor classroom space for classroom integration into the garden. As part of their growing areas, they are also planning on installing some edible landscaping and fruit trees around the school.
For more pictures and updates, visit our Dubuque School Garden facebook page!
Alternative Learning Center Garden is still in the process of acquiring materials and resources to accomplish their projects and visions for their garden. If you are interested in helping them fulfill their goals, want to get involved, or have questions, please complete the contact form below.
Dubuque Community Garden Coalition 