The Goshen Market Foundation’s longstanding Market Sprouts program teaches our youngest market goers about specialty crops and agriculture by hosting activities in the Market Sprouts Garden each Saturday . Meanwhile, Edwardsville Children’s Museum, has been delighting the city’s littlest citizens with its artfully crafted exhibits about Edwardsville’s community since 2003. This year the Children’s Museum launched their discovery garden, an outdoor exploration place with a green house, gardens, and so many new ways to play!
Dr. Abby Schwent, Director of the Children’s Museum, has been collaborating all spring with Candice Watson, our Market Sprouts coordinator, and Farmer Joe, our official Market Sprouts Farmer, to make the new discovery garden an extension of the Foundation’s programs. Candice explains, “I want the visitors at both sites to take ownership of the gardens and find pride in harvesting food for everyone.”
Through out the year, Market Sprouts will host seed planting events and gardening education about sustainable practices, chemical-free growing methods, composting, and rain catching.
Even more exciting, visitors to the Children’s Museum will play an integral part in helping us grow a healthy local food community. Fresh produce harvested at the discovery garden will supply the Beet Box, the Foundation’s Market on Wheels that brings fresh, affordable produce to sites throughout Madison County. Visit us for Downtown Saturday mornings at the Market or during the week at the Children’s Museum to learn more!