NMG came out in strength to support the West Oso ISD Summer Bridge Program over two Wednesdays in July.  The students were 7th to 12th grade ESL, Economically and Socially Disadvantaged Students who were specifically  selected to receive the enrichment outing.  None of the students nor the educators had ever visited the sites selected for the two field trips.

On Wednesday, July 21, 13 students were transported to the Corpus Christi Xeriscape Gardens for an interactive presentation on the principle of design requiring little or no irrigation or other maintenance, used in arid regions.  Joan Salge, NMG and Project Coordinator and Vince Muscarello provided handouts, discussion and Q&A for the 45 minute excursion.  They then boarded the school bus and headed across town to the 2nd Baptist Church Raised Bed Gardens located off Timbergate and Staples.

They were welcomed there by Daisy Castillo, Community Gardens Coordinator for the Texas A&M AgriLife Program and Vin who gave a presentation and tour of the gardens answering many questions.  The students, educators and bus driver were treated to a fresh vegetable salad bowl with balsamic dressing which none had ever had.  The students thought the dressing was chocolate dressing.  They were hesitant at first, but quickly went back for seconds.  All took extra bowls home with a greater appreciation for fresh vegetables and balsamic dressing thanks to Mary Helen (1VP) and Jim Johnston.

The 2nd Field Trip was conducted on Wednesday, July 28 at the South Texas Botanical Gardens.  16 NMGs and Interns welcomed the students and educators for a multifaceted interactive tour of the gardens and exhibits.  NMGs and Interns were: Paul Parr, Patty DeGlopper (I), Carol Barrgay, Gloria VanZante, Angie Corley (I), Jack Harris, Renee Brown, Ronnie Munoz, Marie Privott (I), Tom Andrews (I), Rebecca Stalcup, Vince Muscarello, Donna Gonzales, Linda Frost, Kevin Gibbs, and Huxley Smith.