Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners Receives Acts of Excellence Award
On June 19, 2025, Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners (CPMG) officially received their Acts of Excellence award in an award ceremony in Watertown, South Dakota.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame first announced the list of 2025 Acts of Excellence recipients in April 2025 and has been honoring individuals and organizations throughout South Dakota with award ceremonies in each act’s hometown.
At the award ceremony, South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO, Laurie Becvar, shared, “As the South Dakota Hall of Fame Programming Committee reviewed the application, it became apparent that the partnership between Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners and the Watertown Boys & Girls Club was a remarkable example of service, community engagement, and educational outreach. The success of this program exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated volunteers and community partnerships can have on youth education and engagement.”
About the Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners’ Act of Excellence
Through weekly, hands-on gardening sessions, CPMG volunteers mentor more than 50 young children each summer–one seed, one raised bed, one relationship at a time.
This isn’t just about plants. It’s about purpose. Children in grades 1–6 test soil, plant seeds, water, weed, harvest, and even maintain compost bins in an on-site “Garden Court.” They learn where food comes from, how to care for living things, and how to work together. But most importantly, they grow self-confidence, leadership skills, and healthy habits.
The fruits of their labor don’t stop in the garden. Harvested produce is used in the club’s kitchen for snacks and meals. Extra vegetables go to a “Free Produce” stand out front, inviting the community to share in the bounty.
What sets CPMG apart is not only the structure and sustainability of the program, but also the mentorship model behind it. These are trained volunteers—certified through SDSU Extension–who devote their time not just to gardening, but to nurturing young minds. Their guidance is steady and rooted in care, making the garden a place of belonging as much as learning.
For children who may have limited access to outdoor learning or fresh produce, this program offers an accessible and joyful way to discover their place in the world. With every sprout and smile, the Coteau Prairie Master Gardeners are growing more than gardens; they’re growing good humans.
Learn more about the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown here.