Every year the third grade students from Gonzales Elementary School help plant Black Walnut tree seeds in the fall so that the trees can be distributed the following year to Gonzales community residents for restoration of this lost species in Gonzales County. The trees are cared for by Gonzales Master Gardeners throughout the year and distributed the following fall. The program was begun in the fall of 2014 and is repeated each year. If you wish to be a recipient of a Black Walnut Tree(s), please contact the AgriLife Extension Service in Gonzales, Texas to be place on the list to receive a tree(s).
The students from the 3rd Grade Class of 2017-18 were asked to draw a design for a sign to be placed at PACE where the walnut trees are grown each year. It would be titled the “Gonzales Elementary Orchard”. One drawing was selected from each of ten third grade classes (approximately 220 students). The judges then had to choose one drawing that would be used to make a permanent 3 x 4 foot sign to be placed at the orchard. The winner was Layne Barnick. On April 20, 2018, Board members Fran Saliger, Arline Schacherl and David DeMent met with the Gonzales Elementary School Principal, Mr. Workman along with Dr. Stroizer, GISD Superintendent, and several other school representatives to judge the art contest held for the third grade students.
Once the sign was completed, the orchard area completed with drip irrigation, and many rain delays, the sign was dedicated on May 22, 2019 with Layne Barnick present at the orchard. This was a great day for all the Master Gardner’s who participated in making this happen. Stop by the Gonzales Elementary Orchard to see the trees which are located at 623 N. Fair Street at the PACE building, home of the Gonzales Master Gardener’s.
The students from the 3rd Grade Class of 2017-18 were asked to draw a design for a sign to be placed at PACE where the walnut trees are grown each year. It would be titled the “Gonzales Elementary Orchard”. One drawing was selected from each of ten third grade classes (approximately 220 students). The judges then had to choose one drawing that would be used to make a permanent 3 x 4 foot sign to be placed at the orchard. The winner was Layne Barnick. On April 20, 2018, Board members Fran Saliger, Arline Schacherl and David DeMent met with the Gonzales Elementary School Principal, Mr. Workman along with Dr. Stroizer, GISD Superintendent, and several other school representatives to judge the art contest held for the third grade students.
Once the sign was completed, the orchard area completed with drip irrigation, and many rain delays, the sign was dedicated on May 22, 2019 with Layne Barnick present at the orchard. This was a great day for all the Master Gardner’s who participated in making this happen. Stop by the Gonzales Elementary Orchard to see the trees which are located at 623 N. Fair Street at the PACE building, home of the Gonzales Master Gardener’s.
