Gardens for Growing Community

Gardens for Growing Community helps young people make an emotional and personal connection to Nature that inspires them to learn kindles a sense of stewardship and empowers them to make meaningful changes. 

As Environmental Educators, we encourage nature-based learning in all academic subjects for grades K - 12. We create opportunities for young people to actively steward their community's natural assets, and connect them with community stakeholders who are willing and able to empower them further. We provide teachers with resources for standards-based learning in traditional and outdoor classrooms, provide project- and service-based learning experiences, and coach educators to increase the sustainability of their school gardening and agriculture programs. By facilitating opportunities for students, educators, and local stakeholders to work together,  Gardens for Growing Community is able to help youth build healthier lives and stronger communities while nurturing nature.

98% of our funding flows directly to the youth we work with, whether it's providing seasonal veggies for them to plant in a school garden or a scholarship to attend an outdoor adventure (the other 2% keeps the lights on!) Annually, our program engages approximately 1300 students in grades 1 - 12, most of whom attend Title 1 public schools where as many as 96% of the families qualify for the state's Free or Reduced Lunch Program. Most of these children were born in other countries and struggle to bridge the gap between cultures. Our goal is to provide them with exciting and enriching activities that expand their horizons and spark dreams for the future while recognizing and embracing their cultural heritage. It's a journey we take together, learning from each other and sharing our stories along the way.

Through it all is woven the exquisite awesomeness of Nature.  A mutual interest in the natural world brings youth and community mentors together in endless ways, creating a bond that is rewarding for everyone involved.  Most of the community members we engage are volunteers, from professional conservationists who model potential careers, to retirees interested in sharing their experience and expertise with this next generation.  As our program matures, we are even able to bring some of our students who are now in college back to their "old school" to help mentor the younger set. 

"To inspire meaningful change, you must make a connection to the heart before you make a connection to the mind."
- George Couros