A new outdoor learning garden at Don Benito Elementary (Photo – PEF)
A once underutilized patch of land at Don Benito Elementary School has been transformed into a vibrant new outdoor learning space, thanks to a partnership between the Pasadena Educational Foundation and Lowe’s.
By Rena Kurlander
The project, designed to support students affected by the recent Eaton Fire, brought together corporate volunteers and local educators for a day of community-powered transformation.
As part of Lowe’s Volunteer Service Day, teams of volunteers converged on the campus to build and install raised garden beds, creating a hands-on classroom focused on environmental education and student wellness. By midday, vegetables and herbs were already taking root in freshly filled soil — a symbol of growth, resilience, and community spirit.
“This garden is more than just a learning space, it’s a symbol of what we can do when the community comes together to support our students,” said Patrick Conyers, Executive Director of the Pasadena Educational Foundation. “We’re deeply grateful to Lowe’s for their generous support and commitment to student wellness and outdoor education.”
The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance school gardens and promote student wellness throughout the Pasadena Unified School District, with special focus on students displaced or impacted by recent fires. Lowe’s provided both materials and volunteer labor, bringing their mission of community care to life on the school grounds.
> Lowe’s Garden Donation at Don Benito Elementary School video from KLRN:
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