Kentucky School Garden Network

Meet our

BLUEGRASS REGION partners at http://www.sustainlex.org/

Web Site Supported by

KSGN Mission:

To create vibrant, sustainable, edible gardens in every public, independent, and parochial school in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

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Our “Three P’s” in a Pod,” Policy, Proof, and Practice:

Policy: We promote and advocate for local and state policies that facilitate all aspects of edible school gardening. We will identify and seek to amend local and state policies that discourage school gardens. We will promote policies that encourage the consumption of local foods in the school system.

Proof: We identify, conduct, and disseminate research that clarifies the benefits of gardening for children’s health, academic success, civic engagement and positive environmental attitudes.

Practice: We will support school gardening efforts by means of

physical help, equipment, summer care, and curricular resources;

professional development for teachers, administrators and community helpers/advocates;

Communication/networking opportunities to promote case studies, strategies and resources.

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GOALS:

For every school in Kentucky to have an organic edible garden.
For children to be able to cook and consume food grown at their school.
For every child in participating schools to have a chance to be involved in the school garden project.
For every school in Kentucky to have access to a gardening coordinator.
The promotion of school gardens as a teaching tool.
To create the personal connections that will enable communities to start and maintain their school garden.

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1^st Year Objectives:

Enhance the KSGN web site in order to provide you with more useful and readily accessible tools.

Formalize by-laws and obtaining non-profit status.

Extend the garden network via strategic relationships across the state.

Create a fund through which we can offer seed money and support to local school gardens.

Launch the "Kentucky School Garden Week," spring 2010.

Participate in the Nov. 6 and 7 "Healthy Food, Local Farms" Conference at the University of Louisville (Day one of this event will be dedicated to school gardening).

Hot Topics

Find Out About
This Year's
HEALTHY FOOD,
LOCAL FARMS
Conference
Sept 25, 2010
Register Here

Also check out this Library of Congress video on the history of School Gardens.
Click Here

LG&E is offering free wood chip mulch, which is ideal for pathways and established woody plantings. The mulch is available only in dumptruck-load quantities (about two and a half tons). It is not recommended for annuals, perennials or vegetables until it has aged for several months. Contact the LG&E Customer Service Department if you want more information about their woodchip mulch giveaway program.

KSGN has applied for 501(c)3 status. The site will be updated to reflect this change once it is approved.

Kentucky School Garden Network gardens@StFrancisSchool.org (502) 228-1197