Want to start a garden in your community or at your local school?

The Children & Nature Network has posted this fact sheet on the benefits of gardening to children. This research study highlights examples such as positive social and interpersonal skills, healthy eating and nutrition and improved attitudes towards education.

 

Check out this new resource at the N.C. Office of Environmental Science:

Building a Community Garden in Your Park was designed for park and recreation agencies, but contains information that parents will find useful when planning their community gardens or starting a garden at their children's school.  Cause let's face it, teachers don't have time to do this on their own!

The National Recreation and Park Association produced this community gardening handbook to help plan, fund, implement, and sustain community garden programs. The guide contains ideas on creative design and recreational activities for kids. Stay cool in this gourd tunnel from the handbook:

Photo courtesy of Silvis Garden Club

 In addition to a step-by-step guide for building your garden, the handbook also includes several successful case studies and an evaluation tool. There are also many resources for contacts and funding.

 Funding for your project:

Also check out the grants page for the N.C. Office of Environmental Education. We list a beaucoup of opportunities for community gardens!