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Mission Viejo, CA (October 20, 2011)–Did you know that vegetables grown in contaminated soil can be unhealthy to eat? Do you even know what kind of soil you have? Students at Carden Academy in Mission Viejo were treated to a special presentation on soil basics by Master Gardeners Joanne Byrd and Ingrid Cebula on Thursday, October 20, 2011.

The guest speakers, volunteers with University of California’s Cooperative Extension, explained that good soil composition and an abundance of worms are necessary to create a bountiful, sustainable, and healthy garden.  “Soil is the foundation for the garden,” explained science teacher Heather Rydzeski. Students also handled wiggling worms as part of their introduction to vermiculture.

Students collected soil for evaluation from “Pioneer Park” - the school’s 2-acre outdoor science and learning environment that includes a small creek.  “Pioneer Park provides a dynamic and interactive experience that allows students to see, feel, and apply the curriculum in a concrete way,” explained school director P.L. de Avila.

It is a very interesting as well as informative presentation done by you and your students. I hope it will help them know more about vermiculture. I am looking forward to knowing more about this type of presentation on other interesting topics.