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Garden-Based Learning Topics:

  • Program Tools: Resources to help you organize, promote, sustain, and evaluate your program- Sowing the Seeds of Success is our web-based garden program planning tool designed in partnership with the American Horticultural Society.
  • Youth Lessons: Garden-based youth activities appropriate for a single afternoon, a six-week project, or that can be incorporated into another program.
  • Citizen Science: Discover how gardeners of all ages and experience levels are sharing local observations that help address research questions and lead to gardening success.
  • Garden Guidance: Explore this portal on gardening information from programs throughout Cornell University.
  • CCE Staff and Volunteers: Explore resources for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Seed to Supper, and other emerging statewide projects.
  • We also offer online courses focused in horticulture! These courses are targeted for adult learners who wish to expand their skills and knowledge.

New!

About Cornell Garden-Based Learning

Our mission is to provide educators with inspiring, research-based gardening resources and professional development to support engaging, empowering, and relevant learning experiences for youth, adults, and communities.

We are in the Horticulture Section of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS). We are also part of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension (CCE) network.

Our work encompasses programs, activities, and projects in which the garden is the foundation for integrated learning and discovery across disciplines, through active and engaging real-world experiences. We are committed to the value of gardening with children, youth, adults, families and communities, focusing on plants as an avenue to human and community well-being.

Our professional development opportunities for Cornell University Cooperative Extension educators, volunteers and their local partners aim to connect these community leaders with research-based knowledge, emerging issues as well as other Cornell University’s faculty, staff and programs. We facilitate learning and collaborations through program work team meetings, statewide and regional workshops or in-services, distance learning programs, elists, social media, small group or one-on-one discussions and an Internet presence.

We develop activities, programs, publications, and other educational materials, as well as share general garden information. In partnership with  faculty and staff at Cornell, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and volunteers (including Master Gardener Volunteers) in county associations we pilot test, evaluate, and reflect on all of our materials prior to making them accessible for free on our website.

We also work with other organizations throughout the United States and internationally on projects and through symposia, conferences, and cultural exchanges.

At the heart of what we do is a foundation of research-based knowledge and experience.

Team Members

Marcia Eames-Sheavly
Children and Youth Program Leader, Senior Extension Associate, Senior Lecturer, Cornell University Center for Teaching Excellence Teaching Scholar, Engaged Learning and Research Faculty Fellow, Kaplan Family Distinguished Faculty Fellow in Service-Learning

Ashley Helmholdt
Adult Program Leader, Extension Associate, Seed to Supper Coordinator and MGV Program Support

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