Educators across metro Atlanta have shown a rapidly growing interest in connecting agriculture and academics, reflecting the fact that school gardens are a well-documented teaching tool and introduce students to critical environmental science concepts. The Gwinnett Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is empowering development of agriculture-based programs through the “Urban Conservation Tool Box.” Funded through the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), The Tool Box offers opportunities to integrate raised beds, micro-irrigation, high tunnels and aquaponics systems into agriculture-based education. These materials are supplemented with educational resources that support Kindergarten-12th grade learning and enhance the sustainability of these programs in metro settings. This financial assistance is available to schools, churches and senior centers within Gwinnett, DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Applications are reviewed monthly by an Awards Committee that includes members of Gwinnett’s SWCD, the Upper Ocmulgee River Resource Conservation & Development council (UORRC&D) and NRCS.
For more program information and to secure an application packet, please contact District Program Assistant Tixie Fowler at tixie.fowler@gacd.us.
Applications will be reviewed monthly beginning December 1, 2019 and funding will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis through December 31, 2020.