Druid City Garden Project

Founded as the Druid City Garden Project, the organization has evolved into Schoolyard Roots, partnering with eleven Tuscaloosa-area elementary schools to integrate hands-on teaching gardens into the curriculum. Known for its innovative approach to education, it has positively impacted over 4,700 students by making learning interactive and engaging.

The organization utilizes school gardens as outdoor learning labs, where students engage in project-based learning that connects classroom concepts to real-world applications. The gardens are used to teach biweekly lessons in science, math, and nutrition, fostering a deeper understanding of these subjects. Students participate in growing vegetables and selling them through the Budding Entrepreneurs Program, which includes taste tests and cooking lessons to reinforce nutritional education.

The Alabama School Garden Curriculum is available for purchase, offering a comprehensive, standards-based educational resource for grades K-5. The curriculum includes all necessary materials and guides educators through the growing season, promoting healthy eating habits and academic success. Schoolyard Roots operates in 12 schools within the Tuscaloosa City and County School Systems, aiming to expand its reach and impact further.