In August of 2023, the Knox County Community Gardens and Growers Alliance recognized a pressing need: teachers and community leaders looking for support for their on-campus gardens and greenspaces.

The answer? The creation of the Youth Garden Education Program, spearheaded by Nick Thompson and Erica Lisowe. With backgrounds in reviving, managing, and refining school garden programs in Knox County Schools, Thompson and Lisowe brought their expertise to the table, driven by their shared vision of serving community and bolstering education through green initiatives.

The program’s roots took hold at Vine Middle Magnet School before branching out to seventeen other sites, including the following schools and community centers:

Each site, nestled within its own unique community, presented diverse needs and dreams for their greenspace. Recognizing this diversity, the Alliance adopted a tailored approach, beginning with a comprehensive needs assessment for each site involving stakeholders ranging from staff to students and parents.

The program’s versatility shines through in its varied focus areas. Some sites opt for a focus on maintaining or expanding their vegetable gardens, providing nutritious produce to combat food insecurity among students. Others prioritize the transformation of school landscapes, fostering a sense of pride and ownership through student-led native ecosystem design. Some opt for both! Once the greenspaces are established, the Alliance is able to lead and support curricula-based lessons and programs in these spaces, enriching learning experiences beyond the confines of the classroom.

A crucial aspect of the program is addressing food insecurity. By cultivating vegetable gardens at various sites, the program’s goal is to provide a steady supply of fresh produce to students, many of whom face food insecurity at home. This initiative not only nourishes bodies but also empowers students with knowledge and skills in sustainable food production, fostering self-sufficiency and community resilience.

At its core, the Youth Garden Education Program aims to alleviate the design and maintenance stress that is often taken on by passionate educators and community leaders. These trusted adults recognize the importance of grounding the youth they serve in the communities and spaces they are a part of. Pairing their intimate knowledge of their community with the Alliance’s expertise, these outdoor spaces are seamlessly integrated into the regular rhythm of the site and the community surrounding it.

This program is committed to flexibility and growth. In its inaugural year at each site, a singular focus area is chosen, laying the groundwork for future expansion and deeper engagement. As demand surges, the program evolves, nurtured by a passion for placemaking and educational enrichment that is shared by the communities it serves.

Beyond the confines of school grounds, the ripple effects of the program are felt far and wide. Invasive species give way to native greenery, cultivating not just gardens, but a deeper connection to the natural world. Through the Youth Garden Education Program, Knox County’s educational landscape flourishes, one seedling at a time, nurturing a generation of eco-conscious leaders poised to cultivate a greener, more sustainable future.
Erica and Nick’s tireless dedication echoes in the testimonials of educators and students alike. At Vine Middle Magnet School, their transformative impact is palpable. So much so that the Knox News Sentinel reached out to write a news article detailing their work. Check it out here.