In cooperation with Cooperative Extension and 

The Maine School Garden Network 

Present

MAINE SCHOOL GARDEN DAY

K – 12 EDUCATOR TRAINING WORKSHOP

Hosted by the Landscaping and Horticulture Program

Sanford Regional Technical Center

 52 Sanford High School Blvd., Sanford

Saturday, May 9, 8:00 - 3:30 Full Day with classes, exhibit and more!

All participants will receive Certificates for contact hours or CEUs.

The cost for the day is $30 ($40 after April 29) and includes "local foods" lunch.

Scholarships are available.

REGISTER HERE! 

Maine School Garden Intensive 2015

Download Flyer and Registration Form

MAINE SCHOOL GARDEN Plant Breeding Intensive

K–12 EDUCATOR TRAINING WORKSHOP
At Johnny's Selected Seeds
Saturday, May 2nd, 8:00–3:30 with Myra Manning & Associates

All participants will receive Certificates for 6 contact hours or .6 CEU's.

The cost for the full day program is $35 ($45 after April 25) and includes "Local foods" lunch. Scholarships are available.

For more information, please contact:
MAITC at 287-5522 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #0b2f82;">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Building on last year's superb seed saving intensive, this spring, members of the Johnny's Selected Seeds plant breeding department, in collaboration with MAITC, will guide participants through the process by which your favorite vegetable varieties are developed. The Johnny’s breeding program uses traditional breeding methods, guiding the genetics of both self-pollinating and cross-pollinating crops by selecting and hand pollinating. Come learn more about where your hybrid and open-pollinated seeds come from and methods of developing your own new and exciting varieties, including hands-on pollination activities and exploration of curriculum connections at all levels.

Lincoln County: Morris Farm, Wiscasset - February 28, 9:30a-12:30p

York County: Bonney Eagle Middle School, Buxton - March 14, 10:00a-1:00p

Oxford County: Roberts Farm Preserve, Norway - March 20, 4:00p-7:00p

Cumberland County: Falmouth High School, Falmouth - March 28, 9:00a-1:00p

Kennebec County: Maranacook High School, Readfield - April 9, 4:00p-7:00p

Androscoggin County: Leavitt Area High School, Turner - April 30, 4:00p-7:00p

Penobscot County: Ridge View Community School, Dexter - May 14, 4:00p-7:00p

Washington County: Washington Academy, East Machias - May 30, 10:00a-1:00p

MORE DATE & LOCATIONS TO COME!

Be Inspired

Growing minds by growing school gardens: Laurie Brekke at TEDxNavesink

Grant Opportunities

ReTreeUs is accepting applications for 2014 Educational School Orchards.  The orchards include signs to make orchards accessible to students for self-guided tours. The organization also leads workshops on the educational and nutritional importance of growing food locally and at home. 

A $500 Do Something Seed Grant is given out every week to community action projects.  These grants can be used towards project ideas and programs that are just getting started or projects that are already developed and sustainable. 

The National FFA Organization is pleased to announce the availability of funds, to help fight hunger, in the form of a competitive grant for chapters. The FFA: Food For All grants support National FFA’s Feeding Our World – Starting at Home initiative.

The New England Grassroots Environment Fund has a SEED grant available to help volunteer groups launch and build their newly evolving project(s). The deadline is rolling, with decisions made in about three weeks. The range is $250 to $1,000. 

The Edible Schoolyard has compiled a list of fundraising resources and best practices for writing grants.

Maine Agriculture in the Classroom Grant Program: The Maine Agriculture Specialty License plate revenues make $60,000 available again this year! Many thanks to these license plate owners! Schools and non-profit agriculture education initiatives across the state may apply for this competitive funding. Last year 35 programs were funded across the state in amounts ranging from $1,000 - $5,000.

To donate to the MSGN:

Please make your check out to:
Maine School Garden Network

and mail to:

Maine School Garden Network
28 State House Station
Augusta, Maine
04333

Thank you for supporting educational gardening in Maine!

About Us:

Our Board of Directors meets monthly, on the third Tuesday of the month, in Brunswick. If you'd like to join us, or just have a question or comment, please email Vina Lindley, board chair, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please contact the MSGN Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions, to schedule a school visit, or suggest resources for the website. 

Even though our name specifies "school" gardens, be assured that we promote educational gardens of all persuasions, whether they are located at a public school, private school, community garden, summer camp, private educational organization, home school, or elsewhere.

The Maine School Garden Network collaborates with various state organizations, including Maine Ag in the Classroom, University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Healthy Maine Partnerships, and the Maine Farm to School Network.

Visit the website of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association for a wealth of information and a full calendar of regional events.

Board Members

Vina Lindley, Chair, University of Maine Cooperative Extension (nonvoting member)

Richard Hodges, Vice Chair, ReTreeUS

Willie Sawyer Grenier, Treasurer, Maine Agriculture in the Classroom

Kat Coriell, Landscaper

John Ibsen, Ferry Beach Ecology School

Ellen Libby, University of Maine Cooperative Extension (nonvoting member)

Pam Lanz, Manchester School gardener and retired School Counselor

Sara McKee, Southern Maine Community College

Welcome to our website!

Check out our Garden Directory for an overview of some of the many educational gardens in Maine.

If you currently have an educational garden, please register it in the Directory!  Our goal is to have a complete listing of school gardens in Maine, not only for documention, but to give you a chance to network with other garden coordinators.

If you're looking for specific information on school gardening, check out "Quick Start To a Garden" or the Resource section.