Advancing Rural Wisconsin - Pecatonica School District Housing Community Garden - Blanchardville

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Awards Recognize Efforts of Rural Schools, Communities, and Libraries

State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster presented her first Standing Up for Rural Schools, Communities, and Libraries awards on March 9 during the annual Small Schools Conference in Wisconsin Rapids.

The awards recognize the efforts of Wisconsin rural communities that have advocated for their schools, libraries, and way of life at a time when many are threatened by difficult financial challenges. "We have strong schools because of the capable teachers and administrators, engaged business and community leaders, and active parents working together to keep schools strong," Burmaster said.

community garden, blanchardville award presented by state superintendent picture 1 of community garden in blanchardville

picture 2 of community garden in blanchardville picture 3 of community garden in blanchardville

Blanchardville Community garden project: State Superintendent Burmaster; Linda Flanigan, Park Bank; Josh Tarrell, Pecatonica High School; David McSherry, K-12 Principal

An award was presented to:

Community Garden
Pecatonica School District
Pecatonica and the Village of Blanchardville, WI

Blanchardville is a village of 800 nestled in the hills of southwest Wisconsin. In 2004, community residents embarked upon a long-time dream when local bank manager Linda Flanigan worked with the local chamber of commerce (Blanchardville CommunityPride, Inc.) to pursue development of a community garden. Blanchardville has always been a community that takes great pride in the school it supports so well, and garden planners approached Josh Tarrell, the Pecatonica Area Schools agriculture instructor.

Pecatonica students engaged the task with great vigor and the project was embraced by the 4-H, church groups and other youth organizations. They worked with, and learned from, businesspeople and other volunteers to prepare the site and construct raised beds, fences and benches. Produce was sold at a homegrown "farmer's market" and additional plans continue to be developed.

In a conspicuous corner of the Village now sits a beautiful garden to be enjoyed by all, and in the heart of this vibrant little community and its young people resides a pride in having been a part of this project. There is a whole lot of "community" in this community garden.

For questions about this information, contact dpifin@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9114

Last updated on 8/30/2005 1:12:59 PM