A Monte Vista Sensory Garden Connects Children to Hands-On Gardening, Nutrition, and Nature-Based Learning

In Monte Vista, children of all abilities have limited access to sensory-friendly outdoor spaces where they can engage in hands-on gardening, nutrition education, and nature-based learning. After spending years introducing children to outdoor learning experiences through her work with the San Luis Valley BOCES and in partnership with the Monte Vista School District and the Children’s Specialty Clinic of the San Luis Valley, one community educator came up with a solution: establish a community sensory garden and healthy nutrition program. Designed to feel as natural as possible—with wood slabs for steps, stumps for seating, spools for tables, and a cement wading pond where children can float boats they build themselves—the garden features ADA-accessible pathways, raised garden beds, sensory stations, and outdoor learning areas. Colorado Master Gardeners assisted with planting and plant education, while CSU Extension staff and families contributed to community outreach through brochures and a dedicated web page. Children will plant, grow, and harvest herbs and vegetables, engage with sensory-rich elements, and prepare nutritional snacks as part of their learning experience. LOR’s funding helped purchase gardening tools, educational materials, sensory activity supplies, and healthy nutritional snacks to create a lasting community asset for families, educators, and therapists that supports health, wellness, education, and inclusion for children and families across Monte Vista.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Optimystics Citizens Action Network.