by Contributed Content on March 10, 2026
The spirit of community cooperation bloomed brightly last Saturday at the Belle Haven Community Garden, thanks to a joint effort between the Menlo-Atherton High School Service Learning Center and local Rotarians.
With recent rains giving way to warm, sunny days, the community garden has sprung to life — complete with both intentional plantings of spring crops and the inevitable growth of weeds. Students, guided by their faculty leader Andrew Stuart, teamed up with members of the Rotary Club of Menlo Park to tackle the vital task of clearing an overgrown access road.
The mission of the M-A Service Learning Center is to empower students to become active, reflective, and responsible citizens by engaging them in meaningful service that strengthens the local community while developing leadership, civic responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to service.
The Belle Haven Community Garden, initially established by the Rotary Club of Menlo Park with support from the City of Menlo Park and various community donations, serves as a bustling hub of activity. It offers 35 beds and a small orchard, giving Belle Haven residents an opportunity to cultivate their own food and green space.
At this time of year, the garden offers a snapshot of the changing seasons: some beds still rest in post-winter disarray, others are freshly cleared and ready for planting, and many more are already cultivated, with growers strategically aiming for sequential harvests. The work done by the M-A students and Rotarians ensures that the paths remain accessible for all these dedicated community gardeners.
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