Exploring Community Gardens
Author: Sarah Pounders
Overview
In
this lesson, students will connect with community gardeners
in your area. Ideally, they invite a community
gardener to speak to the class, or take a field trip to visit
a garden. Students then
put what they learn to work by planning their own community
garden. Even if you don't intend to implement the project, this gives
students insight into what it takes to pull off a community-based initiative.
Standards (Microsoft
Word Document)
Materials:
Laying the Groundwork
Discuss the following with your class:
-
What is a community garden?
-
Who is involved in a community
garden?
-
What does it take to start a community
garden?
-
What are some benefits of participating
in a community garden?
Exploration 1. Search the internet for community
gardens in your area. The American Community Gardening Association
maintains a searchable database.
You can also try contacting your local extension office or parks
and recreation department for leads.
2. Plan a guided visit to a community garden or ask one of the
gardeners to come speak to your class. Challenge students to ask
questions about how community gardens are started and maintained.
Making Connections
Divide the class into groups. Ask each group
to use the information they gained from the community gardener
and put it into practice by planning their own community garden
(whether or not you actually intend to install one). Have groups
develop a step-by-step action plan. Additional resources for
them to draw from:
Community Garden Wizard
Common Ground Community Garden Start Up Guide
Starting
a Community Garden from The American Community Gardening
Association
Have groups present their plans with the class.
What kind of features did they include in their garden and
why? How will
gardeners find out about the garden? What responsibilities
will they have?
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© 2009
National Gardening Association