Jackson State University and Blackburn Laboratory Middle School will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, to celebrate the completion of Phase I of its Learning Garden.

Earlier this year, more than 100 people joined JSU’s Center for University-Based Development (CUBD) to build a learning garden for Blackburn Middle School for the annual MLK Day of Service.

The upcoming event will feature a garden tour and recognition of community sponsors.

The garden was built on land owned by JSU with the support of a number of community partners, including Home Depot, Keep Jackson Beautiful, Lowe’s, Waste Management, National Gardening Association and many others.

While partners donated basic construction materials needed for raised beds, soil and seeds, JSU students – in tandem with Blackburn students – nurtured and maintained the garden’s current splendor.

Dr. Valarie Bradley, Blackburn’s principal, said this partnership and garden will serve as a flagship for other community organizations.

The ceremony will be on the corner of Dalton and Pearl Streets. For more information, contact Heather Wilcox at 601-979-5828 or email heather.a.wilcox@jsums.edu.

Note: In the event of unfavorable weather, the event will be rescheduled.