College Corps, Early Childhood Education Center Partner on Garden Initiative

A three-day garden project brought together College Corps fellows, families, and young learners to support environmental wellness and hands-on learning at Moreno Valley College’s Early Childhood Education Center.

The effort began March 30, when participants worked side by side to restore and prepare the center’s garden space. Activities included clearing debris, removing weeds, and resetting the area to create a safe and functional environment for children and students. Over the following days, fellows improved soil conditions by turning and loosening compacted ground, organizing planting areas, and preparing the space for new growth.

The project concluded with planting herbs and flowers alongside Early Childhood Education teachers and students. Participants also focused on maintaining the space through watering, organizing materials, and adding simple elements to support ongoing use. The result is a clean, accessible garden designed to be both engaging and easy to maintain.

“Gardening serves as a living laboratory for both children and college-aged fellows, offering therapeutic, educational, and social benefits that range from fine motor development to community leadership,” said Frederick Jones, director of College Corps Grants. “For children, it builds patience, responsibility, and healthy eating habits by connecting them to the source of their food.”

The collaboration reflects one of College Corps’ key focus areas, connecting service with learning while strengthening campus and community partnerships.