Students in Sullivan County are getting hands-on lessons in nutrition, ecology, and teamwork—right in their schoolyards.
The Catskill Edible Garden Project, started in 2012 by Sullivan 180, Catskill Mountainkeeper, and Cornell Cooperative Extension, has grown from four gardens to 15 in 2025. The gardens give students a chance to plant, harvest, and explore while learning about healthy eating and the natural environment.
“When we started in 2012, there were four participants for gardens that were built. And this year in 2025, we have 15 gardens in the program,” said Eva Bednar, Sullivan 180 garden coordinator. “It’s just so good for physical health, mental health, social health… kids are outside in the fresh air, connecting to the natural ecosystem, and also encouraged to try new whole vegetables and foods that they might not eat otherwise.”
Liberty Elementary School garden coordinator Christy Green described a standout moment from last year:
“One of the girls had said that the best part of my life is gardening. It’s really sweet just to see the impact on how that can be a restorative space for students.”
Students grow tomatoes, beans, potatoes, lettuce, kale, and herbs, often enjoying the harvest themselves or donating extras to the school kitchen. Green said the gardens provide more than just food: “Students get an opportunity to understand where food comes from and it encourages healthier eating habits… they learn to collaborate, share, take responsibility for the outcomes and it’s just really a great place to be.”
Bednar encourages other schools to start small: “Start small and just start. Every year the garden changes and evolves, but the key is knowing that a garden is important and getting kids outside is important.”
Community members can get involved or learn more at sullivan180.org
Image: Students tending to their garden at Chase Elementary in Monticello, NY. (Credit: Sullivan 180)