Recent Wayland High School graduate Madalyn Whitley Monday night made a presentation to the Wayland Board of Education, pitching a new community garden in the community.

Whitley, speaking in honor of her late grandfather, Jeff Salisbury, noted he had proposed the project to Mary Colborn, director at Allegan Historic Farm and Learning Center

He wanted to resurrect the community garden next to Steeby Elementary on East Superior Street or have a new garden established and to suggest sustainability be taught to students at the schools and the need for composting to fertilize the gardens.

“Of course, they had big ideas talking about getting students and staff involved on many levels, from the science department to CCA (Career Connections Academy) and maybe a credit program,” explained Shelly Salisbury Whitley, Sailisury’s daughter.

“She (Colborn) heard Maddie speak about her love for science and the environment and wondered if she wanted to have a role. Obviously we are still processing this loss and both my kids are heading to college this weekend.

But, Maddie felt she needed to pitch the idea to the board and see if it sticks.”