Fitzgerald Elementary School, located at 5201 Creek Valley Dr, Arlington, was established in 2002 with a grant from the Rainwater Foundation, funds from the Tarrant County Master Gardener's and the School's PTA.

Each Wednesday the sixth grade school children meet from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for the Garden Club. Students must apply and have a recommendation from an adult in order to participate in the program. Parents and school personnel are actively involved in the garden. The children actively work in the garden they plan and plant the various vegetables which are then donated to the Tarrant County food bank

The inner portion of the garden area was originally a concrete obstacle course. When the Master Gardeners took over the garden, there were huge dead plants and gravel mixed with clay and wildflower seeds. The Master Gardeners cut back everything and fenced the property. Parents and school personnel volunteered to establish the garden. A butterfly garden, pizza garden, vegetable beds, a sensory garden as well as a pomegranate tree and a corkscrew tree were added to the already established trees.

In 2007 a seating area was added with picnic tables. Carolina Jessamine covers the pergola over the picnic area. A 1,500 gallon water collection system is in place. Brush piles on the perimeter provide food and shelter for wildlife that are in the neighborhood. There is a fossil dig in a back corner, a rain garden and tires for planting vegetables and flowers. The compost they prepare is used in the vegetable garden.

The butterfly design of the pond offers differing phases for fish and pond plants. The wings are a bog garden and water from the rain barrels is used for the pond.

Future development includes a prairie area for grasses and wildlife, a cactus garden, complete the fossil dig and establish fun activities and garden games especially for the older students. Because of it's location in Arlington this is a great place for Master Gardeners who live in the area to volunteer.

Project Lead:	Leeann Rosenthal & Patsy Miller
Contact Info:	In Membership Directory
Workdays:	Mondays & Wed-GC
Time:	9:00 am - 12 noon, GC 3 pm - 5 pm
Location:	5201 Creek Valley Dr, Arlington, TX 76018
TCMGA Activity Code:	Youth Activies