GROW La Crosse: Cultivating Healthy Communities Through Garden Education

Who are the dedicated staff members behind GROW La Crosse. How does this organization promote healthy living and sustainable practices. What educational programs does GROW offer to engage children in gardening and nutrition.

The Vision and Mission of GROW La Crosse

GROW La Crosse is an innovative organization dedicated to educating children about healthy living, sustainable practices, and the importance of locally grown food. Founded on the belief that hands-on experiences in gardening can transform lives, GROW La Crosse has become a cornerstone of community health and environmental education in the La Crosse area.

At its core, GROW La Crosse aims to:

• Provide children with access to healthy food
• Teach sustainable gardening practices
• Foster a connection between youth and nature
• Promote environmental stewardship
• Encourage healthy eating habits

Meet the Passionate Team Behind GROW La Crosse

The success of GROW La Crosse is largely attributed to its dedicated and diverse team of educators, gardeners, and community advocates. Each member brings unique skills and experiences to the organization, contributing to its holistic approach to education and community engagement.

Kari Bersagel-Braley: Executive Director & Co-Founder

Kari Bersagel-Braley, one of the co-founders of GROW, brings 12 years of experience in education to her role as Executive Director. Her background as a special education teacher, elementary classroom teacher, and literacy teacher provides a strong foundation for GROW’s educational programs. Kari’s passion for locally grown food and healthy living drives the organization’s mission to ensure all children have access to nutritious options and education about sustainable practices.

Bonnie Martin: Communication & Outreach Coordinator

With a diverse skill set including marketing, event planning, volunteer organizing, and graphic design, Bonnie Martin plays a crucial role in expanding GROW’s reach and impact. Her experience in enrichment events and travel experiences for children through PTO and 4-H involvement aligns perfectly with GROW’s mission to provide hands-on educational activities for youth.

Ana Skemp: Garden Educator & Farm Experiences Director

Ana Skemp’s background in biology and ecology brings depth to GROW’s farm program. Her expertise allows participants to gain in-depth knowledge about food sources and plant processes, such as photosynthesis. As the owner of Deep Roots Community Farm, Ana’s practical experience in agriculture enhances the quality of education provided by GROW.

Innovative Educational Programs at GROW La Crosse

GROW La Crosse offers a variety of programs designed to engage children in gardening, nutrition, and environmental education. These hands-on experiences not only teach valuable skills but also foster a lifelong appreciation for healthy living and sustainable practices.

Garden-Based Learning

Children participate in planting, tending, and harvesting crops, learning about plant life cycles, soil health, and the importance of biodiversity. These activities provide a tangible connection to the food they eat and the natural world around them.

Farm Experiences

Through visits to local farms, including Ana Skemp’s Deep Roots Community Farm, children gain firsthand experience of sustainable farming practices and the journey of food from farm to table.

Cooking Classes

GROW La Crosse incorporates cooking classes into its curriculum, teaching children how to prepare healthy meals using the produce they’ve grown. This hands-on approach helps develop culinary skills and encourages healthier eating habits.

The Impact of GROW La Crosse on Community Health

GROW La Crosse’s programs have a far-reaching impact on community health and well-being. By educating children about healthy food choices and sustainable practices, the organization is helping to shape a healthier future for La Crosse and beyond.

• Improved nutritional knowledge among participants
• Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Greater awareness of environmental issues
• Development of life skills such as teamwork and responsibility
• Strengthened community connections through shared gardening experiences

Sustainable Practices: From Garden to Greenhouse

GROW La Crosse’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its educational programs. The organization implements eco-friendly practices in its gardens and greenhouse, serving as a model for sustainable urban agriculture.

Organic Gardening Methods

GROW La Crosse employs organic gardening techniques, avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This approach not only produces healthier food but also protects the local ecosystem and teaches children about the importance of natural pest control and soil health.

Water Conservation

The organization implements water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, demonstrating practical ways to conserve this vital resource.

Composting and Waste Reduction

GROW La Crosse maintains an active composting program, turning garden waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This practice not only reduces waste but also teaches children about the cycle of nutrients in nature.

Expanding Horizons: GROW’s Community Partnerships

GROW La Crosse recognizes the power of collaboration in achieving its mission. The organization has forged strong partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and businesses to expand its reach and impact.

School Garden Programs

GROW works closely with local schools to establish and maintain on-site gardens, integrating gardening and nutrition education into the curriculum. These partnerships allow GROW to reach a broader audience of children and reinforce healthy habits throughout the school year.

Farmers Market Collaborations

By partnering with local farmers markets, GROW provides opportunities for children to sell their garden produce, learning valuable entrepreneurial skills while connecting with the broader community.

Corporate Sponsorships

Local businesses support GROW’s mission through sponsorships and volunteer programs, demonstrating the community’s commitment to youth education and sustainable practices.

The Future of GROW La Crosse: Cultivating Sustainable Communities

As GROW La Crosse continues to evolve, the organization remains committed to its core mission of educating children about healthy living and sustainable practices. Looking ahead, GROW aims to:

• Expand its reach to more schools and community centers
• Develop advanced programs for older youth and young adults
• Increase partnerships with local farms and food producers
• Implement innovative technologies in sustainable agriculture
• Advocate for policies supporting school garden programs and nutrition education

Through these efforts, GROW La Crosse is not just teaching children about gardening and healthy eating; it’s cultivating a new generation of environmentally conscious, health-aware citizens who will shape the future of their communities.

Get Involved: Supporting GROW La Crosse’s Mission

GROW La Crosse thrives on community support and involvement. There are numerous ways for individuals and organizations to contribute to its mission:

Volunteer Opportunities

From assisting in the gardens to helping with educational programs, volunteers play a crucial role in GROW’s success. Opportunities are available for all skill levels and time commitments.

Donations and Sponsorships

Financial contributions and in-kind donations help GROW La Crosse expand its programs and reach more children in the community. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to support sustainable education initiatives.

Attend Events

GROW hosts various events throughout the year, including harvest festivals, cooking demonstrations, and educational workshops. Attending these events supports the organization while providing valuable learning experiences for the whole family.

By engaging with GROW La Crosse, community members can play an active role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for the La Crosse area and beyond. The organization’s holistic approach to education, combining gardening, nutrition, and environmental stewardship, offers a model for communities worldwide seeking to connect children with nature and promote healthy living practices.

Staff | GrowLaCrosse

Kari Bersagel-Braley

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Kari Bersagel Braley is one of the co-founders of GROW.  She has worked in education for 12 years as a special education teacher, elementary classroom teacher and a literacy teacher.  She is a mother and wife who feels passionately about buying and eating locally grown food.  She believes in the benefits of educating her own children and the children in the community about healthy living and working to ensure that all children have access to healthy food.  In her free time Kari enjoys hiking in the bluffs with her family, practicing yoga, and eating delicious food around the table with good friends and family.

Bonnie Martin

Communication & Outreach Coordinator

Bonnie brings skills from past experiences such as: marketing, event planning, volunteer organizing, and graphic design. She is passionate about enriching the lives of children through providing hands-on educational activities.   As a leader and volunteer in her children’s school PTO and 4-H club Bonnie has been able to help provide enrichment events and travel experiences for children.  It was through these roles that Bonnie became familiar with GROW.  She is excited to be a part of an organization that is making a positive impact on the lives of children.

Ana Skemp

Garden Educator & Farm Experiences Director

Ana Skemp’s background in biology/ecology allows the farm program participants to experience learning about their food and where it comes from an in depth level.  For example children will learn how plants turn sun into energy during photosynthesis.  Ana has experience teaching in a school setting and has led cooking classes for youth. She is a farmer and the owner of Deep Roots Community Farm.

Sam Petersen

Operations Manager

Sam is a nature lover who came to gardening through time working on an organic farm and a market garden. He has also worked at an organic orchard in his hometown.   He lives in La Crescent with his wife Hanna and their dog Cheech.  Sam loves to run, bicycle, listen to music, and learn about the natural world. He is super excited to be part of the GROW team and to help make the gardens and greenhouse awesome places to learn and be!

Amy Sherrill

Garden Educator

Amy grew up on a family farm where gardening and a love of the outdoors were a part of life from her earliest years.  She went on to earn a Bachelors in Animal Science from Iowa State University. Over the past five years she has gained experience as a substitute teacher.  She loves helping children grow through experiential learning and watching their eyes light up with new information. As a mother she will often be found in the family garden with her boys.  Providing fresh veggies for the family and neighbors and helping others grow is a favorite family pastime.

Shelly Staehly

Garden Educator

Shelly has always loved gardening and getting her hands dirty.   Gardening has been a learning experience for her as she continues to learn and grow along the way.  She graduated with an education degree from UW-LaCrosse and from there, headed out west to Colorado where she taught second grade.  She loved watching her students explore and always made it her goal to instill a love of learning in whatever comes their way.  Moving back to the midwest with her husband, Chad and her two boys, Booker and Ethan, Shelly is excited to get back into teaching and Grow is a perfect fit for her.  She believes that getting students excited about eating healthy while growing their own food is most important and so valuable for all children.

LaKiah McCallson

Garden Educator

LaKiah has a curiosity for the natural world and loves guiding youth in developing their own curiosity. She has over eight years of experience teaching with community groups, summer camps, and currently as a substitute teacher. LaKiah is a La Crosse native who graduated from UWL with a degree in Interpersonal Communication and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She loves spending time in her own garden, backpacking, and continuously learning. She is excited to be a part of the GROW team!

Cameryn Koch

Garden Educator

Cameryn joined the GROW team as a Public and Community Health Education precptee in the summer of 2022.  She found the work so fulfilling when the opportunity arose to join the team as a Garden Educator on staff it was an easy decision. During her internship Cameryn found a love for gardening! Especially, educating youth and seeing their excitement when the garden grows and blooms. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Community Health Education from UW – La Crosse. She tries to make each time in the garden a fun and educational experience. She loves to paint, hike, and generally spend time outdoors. Cameryn also loves to read, with her cat, Garbanzo, snuggled up on her lap!

Grow Our Own – Teacher Diversity Program – School of Education

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | uwlax. edu

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Marcos Cecenas, Early Childhood-Middle Childhood Teacher Candidate (UWL)

Hear from our students! Hear from our students!

Mission and Program Overview

Mission:

The goal of the Grow Our Own Teacher Diversity (GOO-TD) program is to increase the number of highly qualified and culturally diverse licensed teachers in the surrounding PK-12 school districts. 

Program Overview:

GOO-TD is a last dollar scholarship program where other grants and scholarships received will first be applied to the student account before the GOO-TD scholarship. However, in special circumstances, the student’s financial situation will be considered prior to using the last dollar approach. GOO-TD is not an alternative teacher certification program or a fast-track to certification. UWL classes are offered during traditional day-time hours with few online and evening classes. Due to grant funding guidelines, participants must meet all requirements for ongoing financial support. GOO-TD alumni are not qualified for the program once graduated.

Benefits for GOO-TD Participants: 

• Potential full tuition and fees coverage.
• Paid expenses associated with required benchmark assessments for licensure (up to two attempts).
• One-on-one support from a program-specific advisor, the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter, and the Academic Services Director/Teacher Certification Officer, in addition to other professionals and services as needed.
• Built-in experiences for professional development and resume/vitae expansion opportunities.

New Applicants 

Eligibility Requirements (Complete ALL Steps):

• Meet UWL academic requirements and complete application for admission to UWL (GOO-TD does not cover $50 application fee). Current active UWL students can by-pass this step if already enrolled at the institution.
• Provide a statement (no longer than 3 pages, double-spaced) articulating the applicant’s commitment to teaching, diversity, and equity as well as including a program of certification and age group.
• Provide two signed letters of recommendation.
• If attended other institutions, include unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions (official transcript is required for UWL Admission).
• Complete and file a current year’s FAFSA.

How to Apply: 

Failure to follow steps 1-3 will result in an incomplete application material submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Step 1: Complete the application for admission to UWL.

Be sure you:

• Meet UWL’s academic requirements and
• Identify the teacher education licensure program you wish to pursue.

Step 2: Send the following labeled documents in ONE EMAIL to Michelle Sylvester.

• Use the email subject line: ATTN: GOO-TD New Student Application.
• A STATEMENT (no longer than 3 pages, double-spaced) articulating the applicant’s commitment to teaching, diversity, and equity (include a program of interest and age group).
• TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (must be signed and dated).
• UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS from all previous institution(s) attended.

Step 3: Complete and file a current year’s FAFSA.

Application Screening:

Applications will be screened based on a holistic evaluation that includes the applicant’s academic credentials, letters of recommendation, and the ability to serve & support diverse populations in PK-12 schools. Financial status and current/past employment in a PK-12 school may also be considered. 

Upon UWL admission, candidates who wish to have their transcript(s) and prior PK-12 professional experience evaluated must submit a portfolio for review that includes documentation of relevant work/academic history to the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter.

Current GOO-TD Participants 

Program Requirements for Ongoing Financial Support: 

• Maintain a 2.85 GPA (cumulative and per semester).
• Complete at least 12 credits of coursework towards academic program per academic year from the following terms: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter.
• Attend established meetings with academic program and GOO-TD advisors.
• Meet SOE program admission and UWL retention policies.
• Display a positive attitude, work ethic, and professional demeanor in classes and field experiences.
• Participate in program publicity, recruitment endeavors, and/or professional development opportunities

Students Who do Not Meet Program Requirements Each Semester:

• Attend mandatory meetings with the Sr. Equity Advisor and/or SOE professionals to establish a “Plan for Success” and share plan with academic advisor(s).
• Re-evaluate “Plan for Success” at the end of the semester with advisor(s).
• Make academic/dispositional progress by end of semester or GOO-TD scholarship will be forfeited. If declared academically ineligible by UWL at the end of the term, the scholarship will automatically be forfeited.
• Academic probation is a violation of not meeting program expectations – automatic forfeit of scholarship.

Dropping Classes After Due Dates:

• Classes cannot be dropped after the established deadline to do so has passed.
• If a student decides to drop classes or out of school after the deadline, the student will be responsible for their tuition payment during that particular semester.
• If a student has an emergency situation that requires dropping of classes past the established deadline, then the student must contact the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter for assistance in writing. Failure to communicate in a timely manner will result in the student being billed for the tuition.

Medical or Regular University Withdrawal; Course Incompletes; Leave of Absences from GOO-TD and UWL:

• Send notice in writing to the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter.
• Work with the Sr. Equity Advisor and Student Life professionals to facilitate the process and discuss options.
• Automatic forfeit of GOO-TD scholarship.
• Student is responsible for the University withdrawal fee and other related fees involved with GOO-TD or UWL.
• May reapply for future consideration if opening is available.

Completion Expectations: 

• GOO-TD program completers are expected to make a good faith effort to procure employment in an area PK-12 school in Wisconsin.
• GOO-TD program completers are expected to provide contact and employment information to the SOE and UWL alumni database.

Support for the GOO-TD Program

The GOO-TD program is supported in part with generous funding from the following sources:

• La Crosse Public Education Foundation
• La Crosse Community Foundation
• School District of La Crosse
• City of La Crosse Community Development Block Grant

La Crosse Home Weather Stations

Quick transitionLa-Crosse.ru online store forum… Questions to La-Crosse.ru store… Chargers…… Charger BC700… Batteries… Discussion of articles

La Crosse weather station WS9032IT-S-ALU

Weather station with a lot of weather data. It is completed with an all-weather sensor on which a shielding cap is installed, which reduces the influence of external atmospheric influences. Allows you to measure temperature and humidity more accurately.

This product uses the new “IT+” data transmission technology developed and implemented by LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY. This transmission technology is more advanced than the 433 MHz transmission technology used by other manufacturers. The main advantages are the increased range of the sensor (up to 100 meters) and high noise immunity (especially important in urban areas). Read the detailed description of the technology below.
Greater functionality. Functions added – barometric pressure change history, comfort level, moon phases, ability to receive data from 3 external sensors

Key features

Weather forecast:

• 12-24 hour weather forecast
• The weather station is capable of detecting changes in barometric pressure and, based on these changes, displaying a short-term forecast for the near future in the form of barometric weather forecast symbols. The display shows symbols (clear, cloudy, raining)
• The user has the ability to set the sensitivity level of the atmospheric pressure sensor for a more accurate weather forecast
• Barometric pressure trend display (stable, rising, falling

Atmospheric pressure:

• Atmospheric pressure measurement. Unit: hPa or inHg.
• Graphical display of barometric pressure changes over the past 24 hours

Data is updated every 15 seconds.

Moon phase:

• Lunar calendar. You can see the phase of the moon for the current day and for any date in the future

Room temperature:

• Measuring range: -9.9 C to + 59.9 C.
• Accuracy : 0.1 C.
• Automatic registration of minimum and maximum temperatures with time and date of registration.
• Update information every 15 seconds.

Room humidity:

• Swiss quick measurement sensor.
• Measuring range : 1% to 99%.
• Reading accuracy: 1%.
• Measurement error: +/- 3%.
• Automatic registration of minimum and maximum humidity values ​​with time and date of registration.
• Update information every 20 seconds.

Indoor comfort level:

A complex indicator that measures the relationship between temperature and air humidity and displays the overall comfort level in the room in the form of sad and happy face symbols. “Happy” face is displayed at room temperature +20 °C… +25.9°C and relative humidity 45%… 65%. A “sad” face is displayed at values ​​outside the specified range.
During the period when central or stove heating is in operation, the air in the premises is strongly dried, and the humidity of the air can drop to 20%. Dry air has a very negative effect on the general condition of a person, leads to faster fatigue, drowsiness, exacerbation of allergies and diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and a decrease in immunity. The number of positive ions increases in a dry atmosphere, and affects both the physical and mental state of people. The mucous membrane of the nose and throat dries up, resistance to viruses and infections decreases, which increases the likelihood of acute respiratory infections.

Outdoor temperature:

• Range: -29.9 C to +69.9 C.
• Accuracy : 0.1 C.
• Automatic registration of minimum and maximum temperatures with time and date of registration.
• Real-time temperature display (updated every 4 sec)
• Possibility to simultaneously measure air temperature in different places using 3 (three) external sensors. “IT +” technology increases the working range of the sensor and the base station up to 100 m.

Outdoor humidity:

• Swiss fast measurement sensor.
• Measuring range : 1% to 99%.
• Accuracy : 1%.
• Measurement error: +/- 3% at temperatures > – 10 C and
• Automatic registration of minimum and maximum temperatures with time and date of registration.
• Real-time display of air humidity value (updated every 4 sec)
• Possibility to simultaneously measure air humidity in different places using 3 (three) external sensors. “IT +” technology increases the working range of the sensor and the base station up to 100 m.

LCD Contrast:

• LCD contrast adjustment.

Low battery indicator

• When the batteries are low, an icon appears on the main unit display to indicate that the battery needs to be replaced

Mounting:

• Table or wall mounting available.

Data transmission from an external sensor using the new “Instant Transmission +” technology :

An external sensor transmits information to the weather station using “IT +” a new modern wireless data transmission technology developed and implemented by LA CROSSE TECHNOLOGY. “IT+” offers you an immediate update of all your data from external sensors. Monitor climate change in real time!

Advantages of using this technology compared to models from other manufacturers:

• Information on your station is updated every 4-8 seconds.
• High noise immunity. Prevents any interference between similar products located in close proximity. Thus, the quality of communication between the base station and the radio sensor has been significantly improved in comparison with weather stations operating at a frequency of 433 MHz.
• Transmission distance increased to 100 meters (in open area)
• More economical external sensor battery consumption
• A high precision swiss sensor (for temperature and humidity) is used, which provides 1% resolution and +/-3% accuracy.

Weather station complete with:

• 1 outdoor temperature and humidity sensor TX 21-IT+. It is possible to connect up to 3 sensors.

Dimensions:

• Weather station ( L x W x H) = 117.4 x 31.2 x 227.1 mm.
• External sensor ( L x W x H) = 121 x 60 x 73 mm.

Power supply:

• Weather station – 3 x AA batteries, IEC LR6 1.5 V.
• External sensor – 2 x AA batteries, IEC LR6 1.