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UC Master Gardeners of Butte County

Living Labs: School Gardens

 

Living Lab Leadership Training

October 4, 2025  •  8:45am–noon
Chapman Park Teaching Garden at the Dorothy F. Johnson Center
775 E 16th Street, Chico

Who Should Attend
School Garden Educators, Administrators

What to Expect

  • Garden-based Next Generation Science Lessons
  • Student Notebooks and Lesson Plans
  • Engage in garden-based science activities
  • Network with other school garden leaders
  • Connect with UC Master Gardeners of Butte County to consult on your specific needs

Llimit 15 people 

Cost­: $25

Registration available soon.
 

About Living Labs: School Gardens

A school garden can be a Living Lab, attracting butterflies and wildlife, and growing organic vegetables. A Living Lab can integrate native plants with other pollinators. A school garden can consist of edible plants in a container, colorful flowers, or a full vegetable garden.

Living Lab school gardens come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the school site, available resources and the needs of the students.

Research shows that student involvement in garden activities can:

  • Boost academic performance
  • Improve social skills and behavior
  • Enhance nutritional preferences, and
  • Increase self-esteem.

Creating Living Lab School Gardens

Want to develop a Living Lab, or turn  an existing school garden into one? Butte County Master Gardeners have years of experience with school and community gardens. As part of our public outreach, we offer consulting services free of charge to any school in Butte County. We can also provide you and your students with workshops on all kinds of garden topics.

We can provide on-site consultations for your project in the short term and over time. We can help you plan strategies for most aspects of your Living Lab school garden, including:

  • Classroom curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards
  • Site selection & construction
  • Soil preparation (or refer you to a soil testing lab)
  • Plant selection & seasonal planting themes
  • Water management & irrigation systems
  • Plant propagation
  • Garden maintenance
  • Recycling & composting methods
  • Pest management
  • Garden-related student activities

Contact us to set up an appointment by calling the Butte County Master Gardener Program Office at 530-552-5812.
 

Resources

Here are some useful resources and organizations that provide a wealth of information and guidance on developing a school garden.

Publications

Websites