Education Main -> San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center

Formed in 1999, the San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center (RC) assists K-12 educators interested in using the garden as a tool to teach nutrition, agriculture, nature, and other school subjects in science, math, writing, reading, art, music, and others. The RC acts as a resource clearinghouse for teachers and school districts interested in garden-based nutrition education. The RC provides practical training, ongoing support and related resources for educators interested in programs aimed at encouraging students to appreciate fresh food and learn about the whole food cycle.

The San Diego Regional School Garden Resource Center operates through a contract with the California Department of Education, Nutrition Services Division. The RC Advisory Committee has members from the RCD, UC Cooperative Extension, Master Gardener Association of San Diego County, Del Mar Fairgrounds, and San Diego County Office of Education/Outdoor Education. The Advisory Committee meets regularly to advise and assist in planning and implementation of program services.

 

 

 

 

The TENTH Annual San Diego Regional School Garden and Nutrition Conference, “Gardening with Class”, will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The conference is geared toward teachers and administrators who have or would like to start a school garden program. Workshops will cover a wide variety of topics, all with strong connections to educational teaching standards.  Teachers will also have the option to tour a nearby school garden as one of their workshop options.  Attendees receive a continental breakfast, lunch, educational resources, door prizes, and more.  Last year we gave away over $1200 in raffle prizes! We hope you will join us for this milestone celebration. Click here to download the registration packet for more information and a registration form.

Win a FREE registration to the Conference!

Enter the "Gardening with Class" Writing Contest

Have you got an inspiring true story about a child’s experience in a school garden? Share your heartwarming anecdotes and local success stories with the School Garden Resource Center. The author of the winning story will receive a gift basket of garden supplies AND one free registration for the School Garden and Nutrition Conference. The stories we receive will be documented for posterity and used to help inspire and motivate others. Download the entry form and submit your stories by March 7, 2009.

Pictures from the 2008 Gardening with Class Conference:

 

 

Happy Opportunity Drawing Winners

 

 

 

Master Gardeners session

 

 

 

 

Spring Plant Giveaway

The Resource Center organizes an annual give-away of herbs and veggie seedlings from Altman Plants of Vista. This year's giveaway will take place on TUESDAY MARCH 24, 2009 (rescheduled from 3/12).  100 teachers will receive a flat of robust warm season seedlings including peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and more. Download the registration form here and fax by March 17 to (619) 562-4799. First come, first served!

 

Photo: Plants waiting for pick-up in front of Casita Elementary’s school garden in Vista.

 

Newsletter

"Gardening with Class", our biannual newsletter, is mailed to all schools in the county every fall and spring. The newsletter informs educators about the services and resources available through the Resource Center and affiliated organizations. Information in the newsletters also includes upcoming school garden and nutrition-related events, workshops, available curricula, informational articles and resource lists. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please call (760) 745-2061 x100. Download our newsletters below:

Most recent! -> Fall 2008 Newsletter (PDF 492k)

Archived newsletters:

Spring 2008 Newsletter (PDF 2MB)

Fall 2007 newsletter (PDF 289k)

Spring 2007 newsletter (PDF 389k)

 

 

Teacher Training Workshop – “Creating and Sustaining Your School Garden”

This hands-on organic gardening workshop is perfect for anyone who would like to learn more about school garden practicalities, ranging from garden design to irrigation and pest management, to curriculum connections.  This is a comprehensive, intensive introduction which will help you start your school garden program next year on the right foot!  All participants will receive an organic lunch, the new book Gardens for Learning published by the California School Garden Network, and a binder with resource materials.  Schools are encouraged to send a team of 3-4 participants. This workshop is possible thanks to the generosity of the California School Garden Network (www.csgn.org).

Thank you to those who attended our Nov. 15 workshop! Currently, there are no further CSYSG workshops scheduled for the 2008-2009 school year.