For 13 years, Clallam County Master Gardeners has taken its Youth Enrichment Program to teach second-graders about plants and their importance to humans and the world.

This year they are sending 26 Master Gardeners

into the schools.

On March 18, they visited Greywolf Elementary School and on April 8, they went to Helen Haller Elementary.

Marilyn Ludke’s class, along with four other classes at Helen Haller, learned about photosynthesis and the role plants play in their lives. Many students were surprised to learn that cotton was a plant that was in many of their clothes.

"The kids love the program and teachers do, too. And, of course, we do, too," said Alice McElroy, a Master Gardener volunteer.

Ludke said most of the concepts the group shared were new to the students.

"It’s a real comprehensive overall program that’s not too technical," said Jean Janis, a Master Gardener volunteer.

Students were given clear plastic cups that they filled with soil and bean, radish, corn, pea and sunflower seeds. This allows them to watch the plant life cycle over the coming weeks.

Volunteers said some students from earlier groups transplanted their seeds from class to home gardens.

The group will continue the presentations through April, going to elementary schools in Forks, Neah Bay and Port Angeles.