Maria Shriver visits Alice Water's edible garden

By: Vickie J. Rubinson

Maria Shriver is the Honorary Chair of the California School Garden Network.

"One of the earliest events I did as California's First Lady was to visit Alice Water's Edible School Yard in Berkeley to see first-hand what it was all about.

I remember the cool crisp air, the fresh smells, but more importantly, I remember the look of joy on the face of the children after they had worked hard in their garden. Over the years, I have seen how gardens have positively transformed students, schools and communities.

Gardens are a wonderful resource and I truly believe in the life lessons they teach and the lives they touch--and that every school and community should have one. I am so proud that today in the great state of California, WE Garden in Capitol Park!"

In the early 1970's, Waters introduced the idea of organic produce at her famed Berkley restaurant Chez Panisse. In 1966, Waters created the Chez Panisse Foundation. The Foundation's big project has been the Edible Schoolyard, an acre that Waters and the Martin Luther King Jr. middle school in Berkley have transformed from cracked blacktop to lush garden of learning.

It is a tool for social lessons as well as sustainability demonstration garden for over 3000 students and countless visitors since the garden first sank its roots.