Part of what has changed Beacon for the better and forever are the agricultural initiatives that spread into different interest groups that include residents of all ages. We have highlighted the children's gardening program from Hudson Valley Seed in the past, and there is a new program that everyone must know about for the summer: Every weekday morning from 9:30am to 11am, Hudson Valley Seed staff and volunteers are hosting open gardens, and all are welcome to join in planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, reading, and crafting. These programs run from June 27 to August 19, 2016.

The open gardens will rotate among each elementary school in Beacon (including Glenham), one in Garrison, and locations in Newburgh.

Support for this article comes from our sponsor Savage Health.

Gardening tasks and kids’ activities are offered in one of the school gardens managed by Hudson Valley Seed. Participants will read books, harvest produce, and take home fresh-picked veggies and herbs!

Open Garden Times and Locations:

Mondays 9:30-11am at Glenham Elementary School, 20 Chase Drive, Fishkill

Tuesdays 9:30-11am at J.V. Forrestal Elementary School, 125 Liberty Street, Beacon

Wednesdays 9:30-11am at The Garrison Union Free School, 1100 NY-9D, Garrison

Wednesdays 3:30-5pm "Stories-n-Snacks" at South Avenue Elementary School, 60 South Avenue, Beacon. Sit in the shade of a beautiful tree beside the South Avenue school garden. All ages are invited to come hear a garden-related storybook while snacking on fresh veggies from the garden.

Thursdays 9:30-11am at South Avenue Elementary School, 60 South Avenue, Beacon

Fridays 9:30-11am at Sargent Elementary School, 29 Education Drive, Beacon

Open garden times also run in Newburgh at Horizons on Hudson Elementary School, Temple Hill Academy, the Newburgh Boys and Girls Club and the Newburgh Armory Unity Center. Visit www.hudsonvalleyseed.org for those times and locations.

If you are doing Summer Camps (see our Guide for great camp ideas in the area), and you are not going weekly but are selecting days, Hudson Valley Seed's program is a great supplement! Participation in this program is free, but donations are always accepted online.