Senior Garden Educator Spotlight: Hazel Edwards

Hazel (she/her) has been a Garden Educator since February 2023. Hazel is the GE at the Cambridgeport School and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School in Cambridge and the Henderson Inclusion Lower School in Dorchester. This is her second year with CitySprouts! Find out more about Hazel below!

What’s been your proudest moment as a garden educator?

My proudest moments are when I can see that the students have really become comfortable in the garden. We repeat many activities throughout the school year like watering, saving seeds, and sifting compost, and it’s neat to watch students become more knowledgeable and independent in the garden. This fall, during their first garden visit of the year, a number of first graders immediately went to the spot where they had planted something as kindergarteners, eager to check on the plants. I’ve also taught some students how to safely “high-five” a bumblebee, which is a big hit :) Check out this blog to learn more about the magic of a high-five!

What inspired you to become a garden educator?

I was inspired to become a garden educator because I love being outside and growing food, and getting to help bring those experiences to schools is a dream.

What’s a common misconception about gardening that you enjoy debunking with your students?

I like helping make the connection that food in the cafeteria or grocery stores was grown on a farm somewhere.

What’s one important skill you believe gardening teaches kids that they can use outside the garden?

Recognizing plants and trees and insects adds another layer to walking around the city. I hope my students will connect garden lessons to their experiences in the nearby community whenever they walk by a garden and see marigolds.

Who is Hazel outside of CitySprouts?

If you could live in any fictional universe, where would it be?

I just read the Wild Robot because one of my 1st grade classes was reading it… and I would love to live in that universe! Futuristic/ acknowledges climate change but hopeful, and talking animals that form a community and work together :)

What’s your favorite place to explore in Boston/Cambridge?

I am on a mission to try every ice cream place in Cambridge and Boston! Any suggestions?

What’s one item on your bucket list that you’re determined to check off soon?

I am trying to swim outdoors every month of a year.

If you could have any mythical creature as a pet, which one would it be?

Definitely a tiny dragon

Hazel’s Favorites

Favorite food? - Ice cream!

Cats or dogs? - Cats!

Favorite app on your phone? - Google Maps 😅 I would be lost without it