By Renee Maisonet
At the BIPOC Outdoor Collective, we believe meaningful community engagement goes far beyond hosting an event. It means showing up with intention, investing in local people, and leaving something lasting and positive behind. As we bring our programming to Charleston, we are committed to ensuring that our presence lifts up and supports this gracious and vibrant community.
We extend our sincere thanks to Principal John Clendaniel and the entire team at Orange Grove Charter School for welcoming us onto their campus to help revitalize their school garden. Working alongside the students and their teacher was an absolute joy as we pulled invasive weeds, polished and rearranged the rock pathway, turned and replanted flower beds, and added several berry bushes that students will be able to nurture and enjoy for years to come.
These were no ordinary fourth graders! They were budding naturalists. These students proudly shared their knowledge about composting, caring for small animals, and maintaining a clean, vibrant schoolyard. Their bubbling enthusiasm for the environment was inspiring and made our experience even more rewarding.
We are grateful for the opportunity to work with such an engaged group of students and educators, and we look forward to returning to support and help maintain their growing garden!