Teachers enjoyed a meaningful and enriching learning experience at ECHO Global Farm in September 2024. Twenty-seven school garden leaders from Lee and Charlotte counties gathered to participate in the School Garden Leadership Training (SGLT).
The workshop was a collaboration between the UF/IFAS Extension Family Nutrition Program (FNP), Florida Agriculture in the Classroom (FAITC), The Lee County School District-Healthy Living Collaboration, ECHO Global Farm, Naples Botanical Garden and Chef Daniela Craciun from the Collier Fruit Growers.
The day began with a tour of the global farm, featuring seven different settings with crops, techniques, and animals from around the world. This immersive experience provided teachers with practical insights and inspiration for their own school gardens, including opportunities to share and learn from one another. Speakers hosted interactive sessions that covered essential topics for running a sustainable program, including team building, germination and harvesting, pest management, engaging curriculum activities, and cooking from the garden.
“I feel that I can establish a strong support team and that our school can begin growing food by next school year.” – Lee County teacher after participating in School Garden Leadership Training
FNP partnered with FAITC in 2020 to create the School Garden Leadership Training program, and its companion guide, the Florida School Garden Planner. This initiative aims to empower teachers across Florida, by building confidence, fostering collaboration, and strengthening garden programs for long-term success. In 2024, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services joined the partnership, further enhancing the program’s reach and impact.
“There is so much processed food available to kids, school gardens provide an opportunity to eat something fresh and truly understand where their food comes from.” – Becky Sponholtz, executive director, Florida Agriculture in the Classroom
