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 Keephills students understand and appreciate not only the health benefits of locally grown foods, but are also aware of what affect their food choices have on the environment. Under the leadership of horticulturist Karen Berglund, the GROW Project allows students to experience the entire growing season – from seed to stomach. Well into its 14th year, the continued success of this project is also due to outstanding support from parent and community volunteers, and our sponsors.
The Keephills Garden
 In the spring, students prepare the 50 by 50 foot garden that was built by community volunteers. The prep work consists of clearing weeds, tilling, and replenishing the nutrients in the soil with compost made during the previous season. Then the students of course help decide what to grow. At this point, students discover what can and cannot be grown in Alberta’s climate. For instance, an enthusiastic suggestion for planting banana trees may not make the cut, but students have nurtured lush crops of carrots, corn, radish, onions, kale, lettuce, pumpkins, zucchini, tomatoes, sunflowers, and more.
 Over the summer break the garden is cared for by our contingent of volunteers and parents that commit to year-round help with things such as weeding and watering. There is also no shortage of students returning to the school during the summer to learn how to differentiate weeds from the vegetable plants, and to make a craft such as scarecrows or flower wreaths.
When the students return in September, they continue to care for the garden, and look forward to enjoying the fruits of their labour on Soup Day, and Pumpkin Day. And of course, in late fall, the garden must be cleaned, and the soil prepared for the students to plant again in spring.
Soup Day
 Around the main harvest in mid September, Mrs. Berglund, with the assistance of students, and parent and community volunteers, harvest the garden, and prepare the vegetables for making veggie soup, jams, zucchini cake, and more! Students can sign up to make jam or jelly after school, and then take some home. When there is a bountiful harvest, Mrs. Berglund donates the overabundance of vegetables to organizations such as Ross Haven Kids Camp, the Food Bank, and local families.
5th Annual Pumpkin Day
 Every year, Keephills students receive pumpkin seeds from the previous season’s pumpkin crop to plant at home. Then, in honour of Halloween, they celebrate Pumpkin Day. The school is transformed in to a spooky haunted house, and the students bring in a pumpkin they grew at home, purchased, or donated by the GROW program to decorate. They are entered in a contest to vie for largest pumpkin, heaviest pumpkin, smallest pumpkin, oddest shaped pumpkin, and best carved purchased pumpkin. This year, ladies from the Stony Plain Horticultural Society judged the pumpkins, provided helpful advice, and awarded the ribbons. Delicious pumpkin muffins were also made and shared by parent volunteers
 The Grow Project benefits the students, the school, and the community by developing an appreciation for the environment, demonstrating the health and environmental benefits of local food production, making and using compost and encouraging community involvement
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