In 2015, K.E. Little Elementary School in Bacliff was selected as the site for a community garden that would be the start of a successful partnership between the school, Lighthouse Christian Ministries, and community volunteers. The two-fold mission for the garden was to establish an outdoor laboratory for the students who attend K.E. Little, and to provide fresh produce for LCM to distribute to the community through its food assistance ministry. Since its inception, the community garden has evolved into a place where the community gathers to take advantage of the outdoor stage and park benches that decorate the garden perimeter.
Initially established by Clear Lake Presbyterian Church, the garden enjoys the talents and gifts of countless volunteers who have instituted many innovative horticultural techniques. The garden managers created a drip tubing watering system, solar panels, composting beds, and a system to capture and retain rainwater. These methods have been successful in growing kale, lettuce and other root vegetables during the winter months, and cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squash and peas during the spring and summer. The newest venture for the garden is creating a butterfly and hummingbird habitat where the students and community can visit and experience first-hand the wonders of nature.
The garden is located at 622 Oklahoma Avenue at K.E. Little Elementary School. If you, or your group, would like to be a community volunteer for the Lighthouse Community Garden, contact Crystal Matthews, Program Director, at crystal@lighthousecm.org for a schedule of all garden workdays.