Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - "Whoa!" Several kids squealed when seeing their garden for the first time after breaking ground two months prior. The Rivera Cuale PEACE garden is growing quickly and so is the enthusiasm of children from pueblos in Puerto Vallarta who dug the first holes and planted the first seeds. The same kids who put sweat into the initial stages were the first to enjoy its harvest, in a Salad Party event which took place Saturday, April 16th.

Over 50 volunteers, children and community members enjoyed salads picked from varieties of lettuce they planted. Volunteers brought toppings, set up craft stations, and relaxed in picnic areas with the kids and their families.

The first-of-its-kind Rivera Cuale - PEACE Community Garden, which was launched in February, 2011, is welcoming an increasing number of local youth who come to learn about indigenous plants and flowers, composting, nutrition and sustainable food production. Much of the planting and harvesting has been done by several dedicated volunteers.

One volunteer, Ron Almstead, drives to El Bosque de Progreso (near the city dump) to pick up more than a dozen children and bring them to the gardens. "These kids had never seen a garden before," Almstead said. "They loved seeing the worms and the crickets, and were amazed at how easy gardening is!"

Children and parents from the neighborhood of El Caloso, where the garden is located, have also been very involved in the projects. Some can see the garden from their balconies.

"We are literally and figuratively bringing the concept of healthy, organic food and ecology closer to home," said Nicole Majewski, Community Coordinator at PEACE. "It’s a foreign thing in many of their diets, but we sent mothers home with bags and bags of leftover lettuce anyway!"

With smiles on their faces, dirt on their hands, and healthy food on the table, seeds are being planted in young minds and within the home.

PEACE, (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture, Environment) established in 2005, is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization made up of three main programs which focus on education, animal well-being, and environmental protection in the Bay of Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico. PEACE works hand-in-hand with communities in Mexico to provide holistic education, combined with community action programs that enable people to improve their quality of life as well as their financial stability.

For more information, please visit PeaceMexico.org or click HERE to read more about PEACE

Old town charm, new town luxury... plus, the most convenient, accessible in-town location in Puerto Vallarta. That's Rivera Cuale - an award-winning, environmentally-sensitive riverfront community of full-time residential condominiums; secluded and quiet, yet minutes from downtown.

Click HERE to learn more about Rivera Cuale Puerto Vallarta.