About
The Garden-Based Learning Program is based in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. We partner with faculty and staff in other departments at Cornell, educators in county Cooperative Extension associations, and with other agencies throughout the U.S.
The Garden-Based Learning Program develops projects, activities, and other materials, as well as gardening content- and youth development-oriented support. Many of our materials can be found on-line at this site, or through the Cornell Cooperative Extension Media Services Resource Center.
Our garden-based learning team encompasses a small group of county and campus educators that meet twice each year to brainstorm new projects, share resources, and plan conference and inservices. Want to join us? Contact:
The Garden-based Learning Program is maintained under the leadership of Marcia Eames-Sheavly in the Department of Horticulture. Marcia also provides a linkage between garden-based learning and adult gardening programs, and brings a community- and youth development-oriented focus to program activities.
Marcia was the recipient of the American Horticultural Society's 2005 Jane L. Taylor Award, given to an individual, organization or program that has inspired and nurtured future horticulturists through efforts in children and youth gardens and gardening programs.
The adult-oriented Community Horticulture Program and Citizen Science in Horticulture program are maintained under the leadership of Lori Bushway in the Department of Horticulture.
Our adult and youth programs interface and work closely to ensure that our efforts address gardeners of all ages. Visit the Cornell Gardening Resources site for how-to gardening information and links to adult-focused garden-based learning opportunities, including our citizen science projects Viburnum Leaf Beetle and Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners.
Marcia Eames-Sheavly
ME14@cornell.edu
Senior Extension Associate
169 Plant Science Building
Department of Horticulture
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-1781
Workshops for garden-based learning educators and volunteers
Twice annually we work together with Cornell Cooperative Extension Regions to offer workshops in growing young people through the garden experience. We identify the priorities of the region and set up a workshop that meets your needs. It's usually a blend of presentations, discussion, and hands-on activities. Interested in hosting a workshop in your region? Contact Marcia ME14@cornell.edu.
Our priorities
We focus on a program development, implementation, and evaluation process that reflects responsiveness to youth needs; excellence in curriculum content and delivery methods; incorporation of research findings and processes; and partnerships that add value to the program. We give priority to:
The past several years have seen some dramatic changes in the way that we approach garden-based learning. True, we still get really excited about a child's opportunity to witness a marigold growing from a seed they've planted, or hearing from a young person who planted a sunflower house. But we've expanded our notion of what constitutes an ideal experience for young people, and have looked increasingly toward the four themes of positive youth development, provided several years ago to the Cornell Cooperative Extension system by Dr. Cathann Kress.
See also: Laying the Groundwork - How we approach garden-based learning.
8 unique features of garden-based learning programs
that develop positive qualities in youth
© Copyright Cornell University.
The Garden-Based Learning Program is based in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. We partner with faculty and staff in other departments at Cornell, educators in county Cooperative Extension associations, and with other agencies throughout the U.S.
The Garden-Based Learning Program develops projects, activities, and other materials, as well as gardening content- and youth development-oriented support. Many of our materials can be found on-line at this site, or through the Cornell Cooperative Extension Media Services Resource Center.
Our garden-based learning team encompasses a small group of county and campus educators that meet twice each year to brainstorm new projects, share resources, and plan conference and inservices. Want to join us? Contact:
The Garden-based Learning Program is maintained under the leadership of Marcia Eames-Sheavly in the Department of Horticulture. Marcia also provides a linkage between garden-based learning and adult gardening programs, and brings a community- and youth development-oriented focus to program activities. Marcia was the recipient of the American Horticultural Society's 2005 Jane L. Taylor Award, given to an individual, organization or program that has inspired and nurtured future horticulturists through efforts in children and youth gardens and gardening programs.The adult-oriented Community Horticulture Program and Citizen Science in Horticulture program are maintained under the leadership of Lori Bushway in the Department of Horticulture. Our adult and youth programs interface and work closely to ensure that our efforts address gardeners of all ages. Visit the Cornell Gardening Resources site for how-to gardening information and links to adult-focused garden-based learning opportunities, including our citizen science projects Viburnum Leaf Beetle and Vegetable Varieties for Gardeners.
ME14@cornell.edu
Senior Extension Associate
169 Plant Science Building
Department of Horticulture
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-1781
Workshops for garden-based learning educators and volunteers
Twice annually we work together with Cornell Cooperative Extension Regions to offer workshops in growing young people through the garden experience. We identify the priorities of the region and set up a workshop that meets your needs. It's usually a blend of presentations, discussion, and hands-on activities. Interested in hosting a workshop in your region? Contact Marcia ME14@cornell.edu.
Our priorities
We focus on a program development, implementation, and evaluation process that reflects responsiveness to youth needs; excellence in curriculum content and delivery methods; incorporation of research findings and processes; and partnerships that add value to the program. We give priority to:
- Planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating projects that address youth development and civic engagement opportunities in garden-based learning.
- Exploring technology to promote program efforts and make resources available to a broader audience at lower costs.
- Applied research and extension efforts that address youth development skills and assets gained in gardening projects (such as leadership, academic achievement, citizenship, cooperation, and team-building).
- Developing partnerships with private and public agencies and organizations that strengthen program development, implementation and evaluation.
The past several years have seen some dramatic changes in the way that we approach garden-based learning. True, we still get really excited about a child's opportunity to witness a marigold growing from a seed they've planted, or hearing from a young person who planted a sunflower house. But we've expanded our notion of what constitutes an ideal experience for young people, and have looked increasingly toward the four themes of positive youth development, provided several years ago to the Cornell Cooperative Extension system by Dr. Cathann Kress.
- Mastery
- Belonging
- Generosity
- Power
See also: Laying the Groundwork - How we approach garden-based learning.
8 unique features of garden-based learning programs
that develop positive qualities in youth
- The program has a positive focus
- Youth are viewed not as "objects" but as "resources," and have a voice in program planning, development, implementation
- There is an emphasis on proactive behavior
- Participants "own" responsibility for their own behavior
- The program is inclusive ("involves everyone")
- The program builds a vision
- Cooperation is emphasized
- "Hope" is a norm in the program environment or atmosphere