The University of Illinois Extension in Lake and McHenry Counties is launching an Introduction to Community and School Gardens Course Offering, designed to support teachers, school staff, parents, and community members who want to expand learning opportunities through garden‑based education. This flexible, self‑paced course includes additional resources to help participants apply for grants that can support new or expanding garden projects.
Created with summer engagement in mind, the course explores how community and school gardens function as dynamic learning spaces that extend far beyond the traditional classroom. Participants will learn how gardens build environmental literacy, encourage healthy eating habits, and promote teamwork and curiosity among members of the community. The course also demonstrates practical ways to connect garden activities to broader classroom concepts, helping young learners understand where their food comes from and how agriculture influences everyday life.
Although the course is designed for schools, anyone interested in vegetable gardening will benefit from the foundational information it provides. Built on an evidence‑based curriculum, it supports teachers in implementing ready‑to‑use lessons in their everyday instruction.
In addition to core content, the course offers guidance on integrating garden projects into existing community or school initiatives. Participants will also receive supplemental materials to support grant applications, helping them secure funding to launch or expand their garden programs.
During the in‑person session, county‑specific supplemental materials will be shared and discussed, including information on how Extension can support your garden, where to find grant opportunities, and additional local resources.
To ensure broad access, the University of Illinois Extension will offer this program in multiple sessions across both counties. These offerings are designed to help community members bring school and community garden programs to their local school, township, office, community site, or neighborhood space.
For more information or to register, please contact the University of Illinois Extension office in your county. You can also register by locating the event in your county under the Events tab on our website: https://extension.illinois.edu/lm/events.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.