Published: September 23, 2008 10:37 pm      

WCI begins second master gardening class for prison inmates

CRESAPTOWN — Western Correctional Institution began training for its second inmate class of future master gardening students Tuesday night.

Twelve inmates graduated from the first class, which began several years ago.

The success of WCI’s program has been shared throughout Western Maryland. Cumberland and other communities have received thousands of inmate-tended plants and trees that were grown in the prison greenhouse. Events like Cumberland’s Day of Caring and Sharing and various projects like Let’s Beautify Cumberland! are among the beneficiaries of the effort.

The prison began its program using a grant from the Annapolis-based TKF Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating “open spaces and sacred places” in high-stress environments like hospitals, struggling neighborhoods and correctional facilities. WCI was the first prison to work with TKF on this project. The grant not only allowed for the master gardener class to begin, but covered the cost of the large greenhouse and the first meditation garden inside an American prison.

The master gardening program is taught by Professor Wayne Yoder of Frostburg State University, who said that the inmates in WCI’s first class were among the best students he’s ever had.

WCI Administrative Officer Bill Jewell has shepherded the project since its inception, making initial contact with TKF for the grant and following through with the various community agencies, with which WCI has formed strong partnerships.