Our Mission and Vision

Vision: School Garden Project is committed to a future in which all children become knowledgeable, healthy adults who understand the basics of growing food, can apply science principles to garden ecosystems, steward the natural world, eat fruits and vegetables, and contribute to a thriving community.

Mission: We advance our vision by helping Lane County schools develop onsite vegetable gardens where we teach children standards-based science and the basics of growing food, using the garden as an outdoor laboratory. We also provide material and curriculum resources; professional development for educators; volunteer recruiting and training; and maintenance support to sustain and expand educational gardens throughout our region and beyond.

Our Services

School Garden Project is regarded as the primary resource in Lane County for educators seeking to establish garden learning programs. School Garden Project is the only nonprofit organization in the region that specializes in delivering comprehensive, school day, garden-based education. By providing instructional staff, volunteers, and a high-quality curriculum at a low cost to schools, we enhance and extend classroom studies without adding to the workload of participating teachers. This school year (2017-18), the 19 schools directly served by our programs in the Eugene-Springfield area had an average Free and Reduced Lunch eligibility of 62%, with a high of 94%.

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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

School Garden Project of Lane County values equity, diversity, and inclusion and is committed to cultivating and embracing these concepts within our organization. We uphold these values across all facets of our organization, including our leadership, staff, volunteers, and programming. We recognize that committing to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of School Garden Project maximizes our potential by building a more well-rounded, resourceful community that rests upon a foundation of celebrating unique strengths, talents, and perspectives. Our commitment to diversity promotes creativity and innovation, builds an environment in which everyone feels respect and acceptance, and increases our ability to serve the community. We promote equity and inclusion by providing adaptive resources and support for individuals of all backgrounds and learning needs. Through these practices, our intention is to invite all students to thrive in the garden classroom. We strive to consciously serve all student learners and their communities, as a key element in the pursuit of School Garden Project’s mission.

Community Engagement

Each year, School Garden Project engages over 200 individual volunteers including students, individuals, businesses, and community groups from across Lane County. School Garden Project connects volunteers with the cause they care most about, our kids.

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Annual Report

Strategic programs achieve multiple outcomes with one intervention. That’s what defines School Garden Project’s in-school education program. With critical community financial and volunteer support, School Garden Project delivers standards-based curriculum that improves science knowledge, introduces gardening concepts, encourages physical activity, and helps children learn to love vegetables. 

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Contribute Financially

Be part of the school garden success! Your contribution creates positive results: improved science knowledge, new gardening skills and a love for fresh vegetables. Please consider making a tax deductible donation today and help to keep Lane County students growing!

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School Gardens are unique educational venues that promote hands-on learning, a healthy lifestyle, and a connection to the natural world. During programs students have an opportunity to:

  • Learn food production skills & self-reliance

  • Improve healthy eating habits

  • Understand local food systems

  • Learn science through direct application

  • Spend active time outdoors

  • Work cooperatively

Meet our Team!

School Garden Project serves over 1,500 students annually through direct, on-site garden education in three school districts. We also support more than 40 educational gardens through our Garden Support Services program. Meet the Staff and Board Members who are making garden education possible for Lane County youth.

Board and Staff

Over 15 Years of School Garden Education

School Garden Project of Lane County was formalized in 2001 to establish sustainable school gardens and to provide resources, professional consultation, and education programs in local schools. School Garden Project was born from a School Garden seminar held at the University of Oregon Urban Farm in 2000. Urban Farm students worked closely with local K-12 teachers to design and construct gardens on school grounds. By the following year, the popularity of the services university students provided for teachers outstripped the ability of the course to meet them. School Garden Project formed to meet these needs, enlisting support from dedicated community volunteers, parents, and local businesses to serve and support its mission. Since 2001, School Garden Project has worked with more than 70 schools and 10,000 students in Lane County to establish, improve, and utilize gardens on school grounds. The school gardens we serve range in size from small plots maintained by single classes, to gardens on more than one acre that serve as a regional demonstration site of community and school gardening.

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