Georgians are celebrating Earth Day today.

Local residents in Savannah are opening the city's first urban community garden.

Windsor Forest High School students and the Wilshire Estates Neighborhood Association are growing food in their own community.

Science teacher Elise Zador says the project will teach the importance of locally grown foods.

"It's important to know how to grow your own food so you can be sustainable," says Zador. "But really just eat fresh seasonal vegetables all year 'round, understanding that food doesn't just come from the grocery store."

Taking advantage of an ordinance passed last year, they're using city-owned vacant lots to cultivate seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Zador says the project will provide an important teaching tool.

"I definitely am a firm believer in experiential learning. So farm to table," says Zador. "At our school, students grow food and learn to cook with it."

Last year, Savannah passed an ordinance allowing non-profit groups to grow small gardens on city-owned property not being used.

Tags: Savannah, GPBnews, orlando montoya, earth day, community garden, John A. Young, Windsor Forest High School, Wilshire Estates Neighborhood Association, Elise Zador, Savannah Urban Gardening Alliance