Palolo Garden Project Takes Hold With Boost From Foundation

Volunteers Jarla and Amanda Amond with a harvest from one of Palolo Elementary's new sustainable gardens, which were established on campus this fall by Locations Foundation as part of its $25,000 gift to the school. Photo from Noel Nicholas.

A joint effort supported by a $25,000 grant from the Locations Foundation has sprouted and grown to completion at Palolo Elementary School – in less than three months.

Foundation volunteers, plus Prudential Locations staff and the school ohana, gathered to see the results last month on “reveal day,” when they explored the school’s new Science Inquiry Laboratory, admired the new mural and checked out crops at sustainability gardens in cultivation around campus.

The Legacy Project grant (awarded Aug. 30 to the school) helped create the lab and paid for all of its equipment, which students can now use for experiments and extended science projects. To open the laboratory required painting, refurbishing and construction, which began in September with many helping hands.

For the young green thumbs, a rain forest, urban garden, peace garden, vermiculture garden and medicinal plant garden now await their attention to both learn from and enjoy. This phase began Oct. 13, along with other painting and beautification projects by volunteers.

The Locations Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Prudential Locations and is dedicated “to improving the lives of Hawaii’s children through school-focused giving.” Its mantra is Looking Out for Children And Teens In Our Neighborhood Schools.