interested in starting your own neighborhood, school, church or community garden?
read colleen carroll’s books to learn how others greened their communities

In Tucson Arizona, the Community Food Bank takes their nutritional program far beyond just giving away canned food. In 2004 they launched the Backyard Gardeners Program to help improve the local food systems and provide access to nutritional foods to low income families. This outreach program helps urban and backyard gardeners develop small-scale food systems. (page 61).
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Growing an Educational Garden at Your School: A Study of the Hawaii Experience

One teacher shares her perspective on the value of the garden at Waimea School on the Big Island.  “The garden provides wonderful opportunities for us to share the highlights and the values of the Hawaiian culture. The area, the garden, that you take care of, that’s your kuleana; it’s your responsibility to take care of the plants. I think as teachers begin to see the campus as a teaching element, the whole concept of using the outdoors won’t be so overwhelming.” (page 48).
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To purchase Growing an Educational Garden at Your School: A Study of the Hawaii Experience:

What is the Environment Anyway? A Study of Children’s Perceptions of the Notion of Environment

Who is responsible for the environment? Lynn, an elementary school student in New South Wales, Australia, talks about the changes that construction brought to her favorite holiday spot. She is concerned not only about the tall buildings but also the pumping of sand onto the beaches. Concerned and confused about how her world is changing she keeps asking, “Who let them do it?”
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To purchase What is the Environment Anyway? A Study of Children’s Perceptions of the Notion of Environment:

Look What I Grow in My Backyard: Stories from Hawaii’s Gardeners

Exerpt–Nancy and Gerry have created not only an abundant cornucopia of food for themselves, they are also building hope for the future. The idea behind the farm extends well beyond harvest for their own table. Central to their vision is creating a research garden and an educational setting where children young and old can learn about caring for the soil as well as growing and harvesting food. Click here to see more about Colleen’s current book.
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