RCE Greater Atlanta - 2024

Urban Gardening Workshop
CSV
Basic Information
Title of project : 
Urban Gardening Workshop
Submitting RCE: 
RCE Greater Atlanta
Contributing organization(s) : 
Georgia Gwinnett College

Georgia Tech

Georgia State University

Emory University

Spelman College
Focal point(s) and affiliation(s)
Name: 
Perrin Brady
Organizational Affiliation: 
Georgia Institute of Technology
E-mail: 
pbrady7@gatech.edu
Format of project: 
In-person event
Language of project: 
English
Date of submission:
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Does this project link to any education and/or sustainable development policy or policies?: 
No
Geographical & Education Information
Region: 
Americas
Country: 
United States
Location(s): 
Greater Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Address of focal point institution for project: 
North Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30332
Ecosystem(s):
Urban/Peri-urban
Target Audience:
Community, Higher
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area : 
The area surrounding Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where the RCE's gardening workshop took place, exhibits diverse socioeconomic and environmental characteristics. Socioeconomically, it encompasses a mix of students from prestigious universities like Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and Emory, alongside diverse local communities. Environmentally, the area faces urban challenges such as limited green spaces and issues related to sustainable urban development. Initiatives like community gardens and educational workshops play a crucial role in fostering environmental stewardship and community resilience in this urban context.
Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area the project addresses: 
The project addresses several sustainable development challenges in the Atlanta area, including urban food insecurity, limited access to green spaces, and the need for sustainable urban agriculture practices.

Contents
Status: 
Ongoing
Rationale: 
Urban agriculture and sustainable gardening practices are crucial in urban areas like Atlanta to address food insecurity and promote environmental sustainability. These initiatives not only educate participants about growing their own food but also foster community engagement and resilience. By offering workshops that teach permaculture principles, gardening techniques for various spaces, and involvement in community gardens, the project empowers students and community members alike to contribute positively to their local environment. This educational approach not only enhances food access but also promotes environmental stewardship, improves soil quality, and builds a sense of communal responsibility towards sustainable living practices. Overall, these activities serve to strengthen urban resilience and promote a more sustainable future for Atlanta's communities.
Objectives: 
-Educating students and community members on sustainable gardening practices.

-Promoting hands-on learning experiences in urban agriculture.

-Enhancing participants' knowledge of permaculture principles and community garden management.

-Fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and community collaboration in sustainable development efforts.
Activities and/or practices employed: 
This year the RCE was fortunate enough to host a three-day gardening workshop for students from institutions around Atlanta, that brought students together in Georgia Tech's community garden and highlighted the importance of urban agriculture. This workshop represented all of the best features of the RCE, combining knowledge from university and community experts, highlighting the communal side of sustainability, bringing people together, and enriching our next generation of change-makers.


Our experts were able to impart individual and community-scale gardening knowledge, applicable in dorm rooms or full garden beds. Many thanks to Tamsin Leavy, Dr. Jeannette Yen, Brent Verrill, Grace Kim, and Dr. Rashid Nuri. Students got an introduction to permaculture principles, information on how to grow in any space, insights into community gardens, and lots of time in the garden! In addition to gardening education, we worked on improving the soil quality and garden towers in Georgia Tech’s community garden, valuable improvements that will outlive this event.
Size of academic audience: 
30
Results: 
-Increased knowledge and skills among students and community members in sustainable gardening and permaculture principles.

-Improved soil quality and infrastructure in Georgia Tech's community garden through practical hands-on work.

-Strengthened connections and collaboration among students from various institutions in Atlanta.

-Promotion of ongoing engagement in urban agriculture and sustainability initiatives across the RCE network and broader community.
Key messages: 
By educating students and community members through workshops and hands-on experiences in Georgia Tech's community garden, the project aims to promote sustainable food production methods, improve local food access, and enhance environmental stewardship within the urban landscape of Atlanta. These efforts contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable community in the face of urbanization pressures.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
(https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs) and other themes of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
SDG 15 - Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss 
Direct
Theme
Agriculture 
Direct
ESD for 2030-Priority Action Areas
Priority Action Area 4 - Mobilizing youth 
state: 
Direct
Update: 
No
I acknowledge the above: 
Yes