As the garden season draws to a close and cooler fall weather settles over West Boise, the Boise Urban Garden School – affectionately known as BUGS – is giving local kids a final chance to harvest the year’s remaining vegetables. The program, located in Comba Park, operates a three‑quarter‑acre organic regenerative garden that serves as a living classroom for elementary‑age students.
Hands‑on learning in the garden
Program Coordinator Pohley Richey says the school’s mission is simple: get children “in that hands‑on learning experience.” By pulling carrots, zucchini, and other crops, students identify plants, see where their food comes from, and learn basic gardening techniques. “There’s nothing like the taste of a fresh‑picked carrot right out of the garden,” Richey laughed after a recent harvest, describing the excitement as a “carrot frenzy.”
From garden to kitchen
After the harvest, the kids move to a temporary kitchen where they turn the produce into a recipe they helped create. This week’s highlight was chocolate‑chip zucchini muffins, a twist on a classic treat that incorporates fresh zucchini harvested earlier in the day. The campers worked together, measuring, mixing, and baking, reinforcing teamwork and basic cooking skills.
Year‑round access to fresh food
While most of the warm‑season crops have been pulled, the BUGS team has overwintered a selection of vegetables, allowing the garden to provide fresh food even during the coldest months. Richey notes that this approach not only extends the learning calendar but also supplies the school and local families with nutritious produce when grocery store options are limited.
Community involvement and future plans
Neighborhood reporter Brady Caskey joined a recent BUGS culinary camp, noting the enthusiasm of the children and the supportive atmosphere among volunteers. The garden’s open‑door policy invites visitors to tour the site, learn about regenerative practices, and explore volunteer opportunities. Looking ahead, BUGS hopes to expand its educational offerings, adding more seasonal workshops and deepening partnerships with local schools and churches to promote family‑centered nutrition education.
Why it matters for Boise families
In a time when many families rely on processed foods, BUGS provides a tangible example of how children can connect with the source of their meals. The program aligns with traditional family values by encouraging parental involvement, fostering stewardship of the land, and teaching practical life skills rooted in faith‑based respect for creation. As Boise continues to grow, initiatives like the Urban Garden School help preserve green space, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community bonds.
For families interested in visiting or enrolling their children, the Boise Urban Garden School welcomes the public during regular park hours. More information can be found on the city’s parks website or by contacting the BUGS office directly.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
