By Jessica Trumble, 6th Grade Math/Science (Nov 3, 2025)
GOUSD Expands Student Opportunities Through Partnership with Project Green
Gold Oak Union School District (GOUSD) is excited to see new growth blooming at Pleasant Valley Middle School (PVM) through its partnership with Project Green, a local non-profit dedicated to bringing school gardening programs to El Dorado County schools.
PVM and Project Green have been working diligently to create a vibrant garden on campus — a space where students can enjoy gardening together during lunch, harvest fruits and vegetables to share as a community, and connect the beauty of the garden not only to wellness but also to the rich history of farming and agriculture in the Pleasant Valley area.
Gina Johnston, Founder and Executive Director of Project Green, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership with GOUSD, saying, “Project Green is thrilled to announce its new partnership with GOUSD. Collaborating with the students of PVMS and Jessica Trumble to design and build the school’s new garden from the ground up has been an inspiring and rewarding experience. We look forward to nurturing this space and watching it flourish for many years to come.”
Dedicated parent, PTO Secretary, and volunteer Tasha Lockhart has recently taken the role of Garden Coordinator for PVM. She will help lead the continued development of the garden while providing students with weekly opportunities to explore gardening during lunchtime and “Fun Fridays.” Her goal is to foster connection, learning, and camaraderie as students experience the joy of growing new life from the ground up.
For more information about GOUSD, please visit: https://www.gousd.org/
For more information about Project Green, please visit: https://projectgreencommunity.org/
