Web Sites: Plant Histories
and Cultural Connections

• Mountain Adventures: Exploring the Himalayas, Andes, and Appalachians NGA partnered with The Mountain Institute to create this middle school curriculum based on the important role native plants play in the lives of various mountain cultures.
  
• Plant Trivia Timeline. Take a walk through world history, beginning in 8000 B.C., using the lens of plant discovery and use.
  
• Seeds of Change Garden. A content-rich site about the food plant exchange resulting from Columbus's voyages. Features plant histories, school gardening advice, cross-cultural garden recipes, more.
  
• Biblical Gardens. This non-religious site features lists of plants mentioned in the Bible and their uses, gardening advice, photos, kids' activities, and more.

Featured Grants

Teaching Tolerance Grant Program
Peace and multicultural gardens are fertile ground for growing understanding. If you plan to create or continue a garden that promotes acceptance of diversity, peacemaking, or community service, you can apply for a Teaching for Tolerance Grant offered by the Southern Poverty Law Foundation. Click here for guidelines and application procedures.

Youth Garden Grants
The National Gardening Association awards more than 100 Youth Garden Grants annually to schools, neighborhood organizations, community centers, camps, clubs, and intergenerational programs throughout the U.S. Each grant consists of a gift card to The Home Depot and educational materials. The annual application deadline is November 1. Learn more and download an application

Grants for Native Plant Landscapes
The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund gives small grants to schools and other educational organizations committed to creative natural landscapes using native plants. Visit their Web site for details.

Organic School Garden Contest
Do you use organic methods in your school garden? If so, you're eligible to enter this contest sponsored by The Rodale Institute. Teams of students and teachers are asked to submit an essay and poster. Three winning schools will receive cash prizes of $250, $500, and $1,000. The deadline for submissions is October 31. Visit the Web site for entry forms, guidelines, and information on previous winners.