Blackshear Garden

Expansion Initiative

Growing a School-Based Farm & Food Access Program

Blackshear Farm Wishlist

Blackshear Farm & Food Access Expansion Initiative Donation Link

The Blackshear Elementary School Garden, in partnership with EriRene Farms and the DYAD Program, is expanding into a school-based farm and food access initiative designed to support students and their families across the Houston community.

What began as a hands-on educational garden is evolving into a scalable urban farm model that integrates STEM learning, nutrition education, sustainability practices, and direct produce distribution.

As the program grows, so do the infrastructure, production, and sustainability systems required to support it responsibly and long term.

Why This Expansion Matters

This initiative will:

• Support expanded food production for 200–300 students and families

• Provide hands-on STEM, nutrition, and sustainability education

• Improve irrigation, soil health, and year-round growing capacity

• Strengthen the long-term viability of a school-based urban farm model

• Create meaningful engagement opportunities for community partners and supporters

This is more than a garden. It is a living classroom and a food access solution rooted in education, equity, and community empowerment.

Project Overview

The Blackshear Garden serves students in grades 3–5 through hands-on agricultural education integrated into the DYAD Program. Students actively participate in planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops while learning:

• Scientific observation and data collection

• Environmental stewardship

• Nutrition and food systems awareness

• Teamwork and responsibility

Through EriRene Farms, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the garden is expanding to include structured food distribution for students and their families — directly connecting classroom learning with community nourishment.

Current Expansion Objectives

We are actively working to:

• Expand raised bed capacity to increase food production

• Improve irrigation systems for efficiency and water conservation

• Build protected growing infrastructure for seed starting and season extension

• Support harvest, storage, and food distribution logistics

• Establish sustainable composting and soil regeneration systems

Expansion Needs

Infrastructure & Farm Growth

To scale responsibly, we are expanding physical infrastructure, including:

• Additional raised garden beds

• Soil and compost enhancements

• Mulch and pathway stabilization

• Shade cloth and structural supports

• Small greenhouse or hoop house materials

• Garden border fencing

These additions will significantly increase production capacity and protect crops throughout the year.

Irrigation & Water Sustainability

Water efficiency is critical in Houston’s climate. Expansion includes:

• Hoses, timers, splitters, and reels

• Drip irrigation and soaker hose systems

• Watering accessories

• Rain barrels and conservation supplies

• Freeze protection and frost cloth

These systems ensure consistent watering, plant health, and long-term sustainability.

Seeds, Plants & Food Production

To diversify and increase yield, we are investing in:

• Vegetable, herb, and edible flower seeds

• Fruit trees and berry plants

• Seed trays and seed-starting supplies

This supports multi-season growing and greater produce variety for families.

Tools & Equipment

To safely and effectively operate as a student-based farm, we need:

• Child-safe garden tools

• Wheelbarrows and garden carts

• Harvest bins and food-safe containers

• Gloves in child and adult sizes

These tools ensure both safety and efficiency during learning and harvest.

Learning, STEM & Classroom Integration

Education remains at the center of this initiative. Expansion includes:

• Student journals and classroom materials

• Soil testing kits and measuring tools

• Educational and multilingual garden signage

• Outdoor teaching boards or easels

This strengthens the academic integration of agriculture into the classroom experience.

Harvest, Storage & Distribution

To support organized produce distribution to families, we are building systems for:

• Harvest crates and food-safe bins

• Folding tables and pop-up tents

• Coolers and reusable produce bags

• Handwashing station supplies

These resources help us operate safely, efficiently, and with dignity during distribution days.

Composting & Soil Regeneration

Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming. We are implementing:

• A structured compost system

• Pallets, lumber, thermometers, and monitoring tools

This allows us to regenerate soil naturally while teaching students about circular systems and environmental responsibility.

How You Can Support

EriRene Farms welcomes both in-kind and financial support toward this expansion.

Supporters may:

• Contribute materials directly

• Sponsor specific infrastructure components

• Partner in educational programming

• Support the overall farm expansion effort

Recognition opportunities may include garden signage, digital acknowledgment, and participation in community engagement events.

Donate to EriRene Farms

EriRene Farms is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding agricultural education, food access, and sustainable community systems.

Legal Name:
EriRene Farms

EIN: 39-3617236

Tax Status:
Recognized 501(c)(3) Public Charity

All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.