Oakdale High School’s FFA is currently holding their Bear Necessities annual plant sale. However, not many people know much about it, like what kind of plants they sell, where the funds go, and who is working on the project in the background.

“It provides a service for the community in the school and it gives students an opportunity to learn by doing,” FFA advisor Sarah Welty mentions. Welty started this plant sale 13 years ago, and keeps this tradition alive, because her students enjoy it, as well as it teaches them responsibility.

“[Students] plant them, care for them, they determine if there are any plant needs that aren’t being met, they advertise, they clean, they sell, and they count money,” Welty explains. The students are in charge of the whole plant sale, and Welty just supervises. 

“I potted plants and helped set up. I will participate next year because it is a great way to help out the school, and it’s a very simple job that has a great impact,” expressed Freshman Katarina Nack.

Many different kinds of plants are being sold by Bear Necessities, like annual and perennial flowers, vegetable plants, herbs, and many more. They are also selling pots.

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Bella Migdal

Some of Oakdale’s flowers in the greenhouse for the Plant Sale.

“All of the funds from the plants go back to the program. It pays for supplies students use in class, flowers they use in floral design, and all the projects we do,” addressed Welty . 

The plant sale is great because, “It raises awareness of the agricultural program here at oakdale,” Nack voiced. 

The last day for the plant sale is May 11, and many people have already visited and or bought plants throughout the week.