RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The River Valley Garden Club has earned first place in the nation in the Community Impact award category from National Garden Clubs, Inc., recognizing its work to rebuild and refurbish the school garden at Cosumnes River Elementary School.

The prestigious national honor followed a series of accolades at regional and state levels. After winning first place in California at the 95th annual statewide convention of California Garden Clubs, Inc., the club’s project advanced through the Pacific Region Garden Clubs, which encompasses eight western states, before being named the top Community Impact project in the country.

All of the awards presented this year were for activities that took place last year. 

The local effort began in Spring 2024 when the club’s Community Service Team learned the school garden had been neglected and left unused.

 Team chair Berniece Jones led the initiative, rallying club members, Scout Troop 633, school staff, local businesses and community volunteers to help bring the space back to life.

During the dedicated workdays, the volunteers pulled weeds, replaced crumbling concrete blocks, and prepared the site for mulch, fresh soil, and bark along the garden paths. Scout Troop 633 provided much-needed muscle, while teachers, parents and garden club members joined in the hands-on effort.

Community generosity played a key role in the project’s success. 

A Wilton resident donated mulch, a local nursery provided soil, and a start-up fertilizer company in Ione contributed fertilizer, all helping to keep the project affordable and community-driven.

The club appreciates the community volunteers, businesses and donors that made this award and the school garden club project possible.