Soil magazine ashley sabrina hannah b

Gardens Galore

The End of the World Poem Pandemonium

Why community gardens help and history on Arlington

Poster: Don’t’ Kale the Future

Sharing 7th grade girls’ voices

SOIL

May Issue 2014

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L e t t e r F ro m t h e E d i t o r s Dear Reader, The editing team is pleased to present SOIL magazine, which focuses on the very eclectic topic of soil. Our mission is to provide information about the importance of soil and to make soil unforgettable as we step into the future. In these articles, we share our experience of the amazing soil unit during our last couple of weeks as seventh graders at Westridge School for Girls. Everyday was extremely educational. We explored Pasadena’s treasured Arlington Garden, the mustard covered mountains of Rubio Canyon, and our very own campus.

I had a very unique experience and I know I speak for the whole team when I say we are very grateful to have the opportunity to explore soil and then write about them. Each destination gave me a new view on things.

Arlington Garden allowed us to further explore the knowledge of Domain eubacteria (a topic we had recently studied) by growing microorganisms in petri dishes. In Altadena, we met up with the head of the Arroyos Foothills Conservancy. Not only did we get to explore soil through hands-on work, but we also learned about the positive effect of victory gardens, how our food gets from the soil to our mouths, creating posters, relating nature to Fibonacci numbers, and writing poems. You may wonder how these aspects of our adventure relate to soil, but you’d be surprised how much soil influences our lives. In fact, towards the end of our unit, our grade was separated into groups to make things that improve the earth.

Article after article and picture after picture, this magazine has connected the team and I am so proud of the work we have accomplished. The team has put their heart into making this magazine fun and educational. While following the simple project requirements, this team has taken their efforts above and beyond. Our front cover was time-consuming but worth it. SOIL magazine wishes you a healthy and happy life, and we hope you enjoy.

Sincerely, Ashley F.

L e t t e r F ro m t h e E d i t o r s Dear Reader, Over the course of the past week or so, we’ve been experiencing all of the pieces of the soil unit. All of the stuff we did and learned was so interesting, that it only seems fit to share most of them here.

The first day we went on a field trip to the Arlington Garden in Pasadena. We were split up into three groups. We visited an oddly shaped rock-maze that I later learned was called a labyrinth. A labyrinth isn’t actually a maze. It is a single path that twists and turns in an orderly fashion until it reaches the middle. Once you reach the center, you turn around and walk right back out. It is supposed to be very spiritual and make you feel calm. I thought that there was no way walking down a winding path was going to make me feel anything. Once I actually did it, I realized how wrong I was. The closer I got to the middle, the quieter my thoughts got. The farther I got from it, the more they reappeared.

The remaining activities we did at the garden kept me in a version of that state. While dumping a bunch of dirt onto a petri dish and off again was fun, it didn’t require a ton of attention, so my mind wandered free observing my surroundings. But wandering around in the Arlington Garden really brought back the sense of peace. I used that tranquility to write the ‘One Wild and Precious Life’ Poem.

During this unit, we have learned about the importance of soil. On the third day of the project, we spent a lot of time mapping out all the ways soil contributes to our world. Most people (until now, myself included) don’t realize how much dirt affects their everyday lives. Soil is a contributor in growing plants. The useless dirt you walk over without a thought everyday affects the quantity and quality of crops grown. It also helps grow trees, which supplies us with paper, timber, and everything made out of wood. And soil is a habitat in itself that happens to be home to decomposers and other helpful organisms that make sure the earth isn’t littered with corpses. After that lesson, we took time to go outside and ‘be one with the earth’. Simply put, we al went outside and ran around like little kids. Believe it or not, it worked. It also made me feel connected to my younger self. It made me realize that I don’t have to grow up and join the concrete jungle of a world yet.

Thursday was my favorite day in this unit. We were split into two groups and took a bus to two different locations to do some hands-on stuff. My group ended up climbing what could be classified as small cliffs or steep hills, clearing the area of mustard plants. We cleared entire hillsides of fields of mustard plants. You wouldn’t believe how fun it is to yank stuff out of the ground viciously, especially when it’s helpful.

L e t t e r F ro m t h e E d i t o r s The last active day of this event was the Tuesday of the following week. We went through five rotations. In the first three rotations, we did little things like examining trees and plants in a garden, and making seed balls. The fourth and fifth rotations were my favorites: in the fourth we dug holes for plants in an herb garden, and in the fifth we created a version of compost ‘bins’ that I never even thought existed. We buried a pipe that was standing up in the dirt about halfway before taking a handful of compost and a handful of soil and baby worms and placing it in the pipe.

Then a cap was put on the top. These two were my favorites because I’ve always liked actually working in the dirt.

In school, we spend most of our time learning about issues and what we can do to solve them. Problem is, we never actually do anything to help solve them. This time we did more of that, and I really enjoyed it. Sometimes the idea that it’s a real thing sticks, sometimes it doesn’t.

But I’ve always thought that there remembering there are ways to help is easier if you get your hands dirty.

Sincerely, Hannah B.

L e t t e r F ro m t h e E d i t o r s Dear Reader, I’ve learned many new things about soil in the 2014 Soil Unit. I’ve learned the importance of soil and what it does to help us in our daily lives, and how important it is to the planet. Without this Soil Unit, I wouldn’t have gotten the knowledge I need to know about soil because without it, I wouldn’t know how to help keep soil alive and keeping our planet Earth healthy.

The first day of the soil unit, we went to the Arlington Garden. It was a beautiful venue with many different plant species that were fun to see. That day, I learned what a labrynth was, and even got to walk in one! It was a new and soothing experience, although it was challenging staying focused. However, I am proud to say, I did keep pretty good focus in that labrynth! It was elegently made by little stones. There were a couple things that surprised me on the trip. For example, the fact that the labyrinth actually soothed me was pretty shocking. Also, it surprised me how easily one could connect with nature. While writing my poem, I found I could really find what detail there is in everything around me from the leaves on the trees to the petals on the flowers.

On my second day of the soil unit, we had rotation classes. One of them really caught my ears, and that was when we learned about victory gardens. I didn’t know what a victory garden was until then, and it was a fun new thing to know. Along with that, we read a story and did some math based off of it, which I found challenging, but intriguing with every step I got closer to the answer.

One thing I’m proud of is taking good helpful information in. This day was when I fully realized the importance of soil with the new information.

The third day of the soil unit was one of my favorites because I got to learn all about organic food vs. processed food. It is important for everyone to know, because it personally affects us, and our own health. One challenge I faced with this subject however, was asking myself how I could fix this problem. Eventually, I realized that I could help by voting with my fork like the movie said. That was one thing I was proud of; taking things the movie said into consideration in my own daily life. I was surprised at the fact that all foods that aren’t organic, for example, burgers and fries, somehow involve corn in their ingredients! Whether it be corn syrup or just regular corn, it’s an ingredient in the long run.

The fourth day of the soil unit was my favorite for sure because we got to go to a place and pull out weeds. I got to explore my adventurous side and get my hands dirty. I learned how to pull

L e t t e r F ro m t h e E d i t o r s weeds and was shocked at how simple it was. One challenge however was climbing up the hills without sliding and trying to stay as clean as possible. However, that didn’t happen.

On the fifth day of the soil unit I learned about my bacteria and what grew on what. It was very surprising to see how much bacteria the mud grew, and how some was even fuzzy! One challenge that day was finishing my propaganda poster fast enough. We didn’t finish, but we still did a good job. It was fun!

Over all I enjoyed the soil unit more than I expected I would. My first thoughts when I heard we would be doing a soil unit was, “What is there to learn?” but now I think “What is there not to learn?” I’m really glad I got to be involved in this soil unit, and I know I’m going to keep all this new and amazing information in my head for my lifetime.

Sincerely, Sabrina C.

O r g a n i s m o f t h e Ye a r On every corner of the earth, a little soil is needed. Soil is underestimated as just a pile of dirt. But soil plays a vital role in our everyday lives: many soils serve as a foundation for buildings, a base for farming, or even a home for many organisms.

Soil controls fallen rain-water and snow by forming it into streams, rivers, or lakes. If extra water is not made into a body of water, water can be stored in the soil to be used by plants and other Soil Mite organisms. The number of lives that soil supports is countless, and billions of organisms inhabit each teaspoon of soil.

For all of the work that these small arthropods have done, SOIL magazine awards the Organism of the Year award to the mite!

There are over 45,000 known species of mites. There is always a huge amount of mites in the soil, often somewhere between 50,000 and 250,000 mites per square meter of soil near the top. This is because they reproduce quickly; some of the species more commonly found in soil don’t even need the males to reproduce and can lay eggs on their own. Mites are extremely tiny- most of them are smaller than a millimeter, meaning they often get overlooked. This makes them very successful at exploiting the resources in their habitats. Despite their size, they are immensely important in their role of releasing nutrients into the soil. Mites are decomposers; they break down the matter of dead plant or animal matter, producing soil rich with the nutrients of the original organism which can now be reused. Like every species, mites have an important role in the ecosystem and at the same time, they depend on other creatures to survive. For instance, some soil mites can’t dig through the dirt. Instead, they rely on other soil organisms to create tunnels for them. From bees to humans to tiny mites, we all have a purpose. And if these purposes aren’t fulfilled, then the a whole lot more than you would think will crash.

I decided to do a flower montage because flowers are a beautiful part of nature that we see everyday. Without soil, we would have no flowers! Soil is what makes our flowers grow more and more everyday. Flowers also help us by giving the bees, humming birds, butterflies, and other pollinators a source. - Sabrina C. Click here for more of Sabrina’s photos

The History of Arlington Garden

Gardens Galore

By Hannah B.

What Are Community Gardens?

By Ashley F. Community gardens are public gardens made for growing plants and producing food. Community gardens, like Victory Gardens, first began during World War 1 and were planted by families in the United States to prevent shortage in the military’s food supply. It was clear that this was a success, 40% of the food during World War 2 came from Victory Gardens alone. In general, community gardens are made to build a community through local food production.

Communities greatly benefit from local gardens. They can provide fresh foods to low income communities, decrease food bills, help avoid diseases, and even reduce communities. After information was given on public gardens PBS shared mayor Gavin Newsom’s input on the gardens placed in front of San Francisco’s civic center. “It creates a narrative and dialogue with the public,” states Newsom.

An inspiring example of urban farming is Slide Ranch. Slide Ranch is located on the Marin coast of Northern California. It is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1970. Slide Ranch has 134 acres of this fertile land, rescued from commercial development and purchased by the Nature Conservancy. The ranch’s mission is, to connect the Bay Area with farm-based environmental education. It approaches this mission through cooking, gardening, caring for animals and exploring country and coast. It works with both schools and local communities. Which includes low-income communities and people with various ages and disabilities.

Another urban farm is the project called the Green Bronx Machine. Here, in the South Bronx, teachers inform kids about healthy foods, where they come from, and how they’re grown. Together the community comes up with ideas like growing gardens in the wall or using hydroponics, growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water.

These farms are inspirational and with small changes like these, we can change the world. There are so many ways you can help in your community. In honor of farmers everywhere “Sí se puede!”

Sí se puede—yes we can—the motto for United Farmers

The Arlington Garden is Pasadena’s only dedicated garden.

Its location is right where the grandest house on Pasadena’s ‘Millionaire Row’ used to sit.

Sometime during April of 1902, a man John Durand bought 10 acres of land along Arlington Drive. The house that already existed there was torn down, and plans for a new house were made. It took three years to build the extravagant home. After that, landscape architects were handed the task of creating a garden in front of the house. So they planted a huge variety of plants, including cacti, tons of flowers, century plants, bushes, and palms.

Unfortunately, John Durand III died in 1960, and a year later everything in the house was sold and the mansion was destroyed. The now empty lot remained the way it was for years in preparation for the 710 freeway to be built. When it never was, the city had to figure out what to do with the last three acres of land, which at the time only housed a California Pepper, two oaks, a jacaranda, and five different variations of palms. It was decided that the site shouldn’t have any playing fields, restrooms, or anything else of the sort, but nobody knew exactly what the space should be turned into. A woman named Betty McKenney said that the three acres should become a Mediterranean climate garden. She got the project started, and as time went on, a lot more people started to pitch insome donated money, others donated their time, and some people donated plants or garden furniture. With help, the McKenneys have planted almost 400 trees and tons of other plants that would thrive in California’s unique climate since the project began. And neighbors aren’t the only ones that love the garden.

Arlington Garden has gained support from many of the schools and scout troops in the surrounding areas. It’s obvious that the Arlington Garden of Pasadena has achieved something extraordinary- bringing our community closer together.

One Wild and Precious Life Poems Two Parts My little self defines me.

It says that the dirt I touch is like sand- just there.

It says that a leaf smells like sap and water has no scent.

It claims the wooden chair next to me looks comfortablemuch more so than the hard rock I sit on, and above me is only sky.

But my larger self is different.

My larger self says Above me the sky stretches endlessly, farther than even it can go.

To it the birds chirping is music and the sounds of cars are evidence of life.

The dirt smells like earth.

A leaf like purity, water as well.

The wooden chair is life- the rough edges are hardships, and rest is the result.

The green plant with red edges that resembles roses is just asif not more- beautiful Which disagrees with Little Me. and the light perfectly hitting the purple flowers that bloom in early summer is pretty, and doesn’t just mean school is almost over for another year.

My little self defines me But there are always two parts to a whole.

- Hannah B.

Within the Streets of Arlington

Change of Soil

Above me I hear the breeze.

No mind can center with the constant annoyance of I see the palm trees The arch the wind seeking attention.

Baby blue sky.

Lavender inhabits the rocks In the distance I see just steps away, A path and a tree. but I cannot catch a scent.

Birds chirping I am caught by five minute A light blissful sound. shock-attacks of the nearby lizard crawling up The furthest sound of trucks unloading my newly-tanned leg.

Children laughing.

An open plain of gravel Sweet smell of rose yearns for company.

Rosemary and wood.

Love letters spin aimlessly The touch on the ceiling of the bleeding The feel branches.

Of Smooth and carved And the rolling tires tranquility. and revving engines Hovering my right shoulder disturb the grounds of ArlingA flamboyant tree of green. ton.

Across the scenery Buzzing bees, for once, A soft pillow of love and mind their own business, un-attracted to our beautifully carelessness.

Floating across the sky, dull skirts.

Trapped in a sea of leaves The greedy wind Are petals of white back to revenge upon PasaWith bees feeding off of dena’s them. telephone lines.

It looks to me like a happy Bug bites are hidden under the layer of dried popsi- place for the little things to hide. cle stains.

Is it safe?

The only thing I question in this heaven we call a garden, The leaves shine like a reflection of the sun is the immortal ability to find In the summer. peace within the streets of Arlington. A beam of serene shines over me.

- Ashley F.

- Sabrina C.

B a r b a r i c Ya w p ! Po e m s One

Piles of Dirt

Change of Soil

You and I are one and the same.

The dirt is skin. the layers of soil are muscles.

Hair is the decorative petals of flowers.

Legs, arms, fingers, toes, are the roots of plants digging into the earth.

And the decomposers in soil are all of the things in my body that no one ever remembers exist or thinks about.

I feel no connection with these piles of dirt.

Where worms lurk and cow feces and apple cores are compost.

I fear the billions of organisms that inhabit each teaspoon.

But my empathy soon croaks through the hatred.

Change can be fast or slow It can be four simple steps that take up years It can start with drops of tears from the clouds above Those tears tear me apart No matter how sturdy I am I can be unbreakable The tears from the clouds are powerful enough to break me And disintegrate me I'm helpless All of a sudden There is nothing raining on what once was My parade Now there's a sky of organic matter I've changed It's taken me a while to but I have I am no longer a rock I've been shattered into parent material Thankfully I still have some power I can take over the bedrock that's always below me In a matter of years I've changed I've changed quite a bit I'm deeper now While I'm deeper I'm also smaller I now have a new friend growing above me I love to support it Help it grow and be healthy I'm now even smaller and deeper than before My life is full of change Luckily in this change I've become a help to others I'm helping plants grow Day by day While I may be helping others I'm stuck under them Always one step below One day I hope to see the outside world Instead of being stuck in this dark world

Voice is the noise of everything and anything.

Eyes are the things that stay the same no matter how long it’s been.

My blood runs the way rivers do And my bones are the tectonic plates.

We are all the same And one day we will all rejoin.

After years of creation The soil is only seen as the ground we walk on.

This great world of ours seems to lack appreciation.

As do my first three lines.

- Ashley F.

- Hannah B.

Photo taken by Sabrina C.

- Sabrina C.