b'Anthony weeding in greenhouse Niya weedingHOW THE NURSERY SUPPORTS THE CITYprobably take us about five hours, Sierra says. SoCONNECTING AGRICULTURE AND YEAR-ROUND having students or volunteers come out and helpEDUCATIONIn addition to supplying plants for parks, me- us, theyre helping us a great deal. Oneofthosepartnershipsbringsstudents dians,andpublicspaces,thenurserysupportsThat need for support has helped shape part- from Southwest Middle Schools FFA chapter to citywide initiatives such as Arbor Day, providingnerships that benefit both the city and the broaderthe city nursery each month, where they assist trees and materials used for community plantingscommunity. with routine tasks while gaining firsthand expo-and educational outreach. Nursery staff also assistOn a typical day, nursery staff rotate betweensure to agricultural work.with special city projects, seasonal beautificationseeding trays, monitoring growth, transplantingKatrinaLynn,whoteachesagricultureat efforts, and replacements following storms or in- young plants and preparing material for installa- SouthwestMiddleSchoolandadvisestheFFA frastructure work. tion across the city. Workloads shift with the sea- chapter, outlines the hands-on work students take Bymaintainingasteadyinventoryofplantsons, weather conditions, and upcoming projects,part in during their visits.material, the nursery allows the city to respondmaking flexibility a key part of the operation. They come out once a month from 6:45 to quickly to community needs without relying onThe additional help allows staff to keep pace8:15 in the morning, Lynn says. Theyre helping outsidesuppliers.Thatflexibilityhelpsensureduringpeakplantingperiods.Theextralaborwith things like potting plants, laying weed cloth public spaces remain healthy and visually consist- supports efficiency without disrupting the nurs- and getting areas ready for planting.ent throughout the year, even when unexpectederys long-term growing schedule, helping ensureShesaystheexperiencehelpsstudentsbet-demands arise. plantsarereadywhencitydepartmentsneedter understand plant science, responsibility, and DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS AND LABOR them. teamwork, while also showing them how agricul-That day-to-day rhythm has also created op- ture connects to their own community.Sierra says the work of volunteers makes a no- portunitiesforhands-onlearning,openingtheTheygettoseethatwhattheyrelearning ticeable difference in what staff can complete. nursery to community partnerships that provideCONTINUED ON PAGE 23If David and I were to do 2,000 pots, it wouldsupport while offering real-world experience.FloridaAgNews.com CFAN | 19'