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COLUMBIA, SC -- Community leaders and local agencies joined students in giving back to the environment for Earth Day.

The celebration took place Monday morning at Columbia's Ridgewood Park. It was hosted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and featured other agencies and representatives. Students got to plant garden beds. Many of the vegetables grown will go to Ridgewood residents.

It is part of Ridgewood's Revitalization project. The park is eco-friendly, featuring a walking trail made of recycled rubber, and park benches made of plastic milk jugs.

NRCS Specialist Reginald Hall said it is a good chance to show the importance of working together to keep the environment clean.

"We wanted to show how we could get the youth involved in Earth Day and show them that you don't just go to the grocery store and pick up canned vegetables. Someone has to get out and actually grow those vegetables. We really like to show how fresh fruits and vegetables are beneficial."