Growing Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies
Urban Roots is a Reno-based nonprofit that strives to change the way communities eat and learn through garden-based education.
Our Vision
Urban Roots is founded on the idea that the garden is a powerful tool for improving academic instruction, developing healthy habits, and sowing a respect for the environment. In order to realize our mission of growing healthy minds, bodies, and communities, we provide school and garden-based opportunities for teachers, students, families, and partnering organizations.
Our Core Values
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Nevada’s K-12 education system is currently ranked 35th in the country for academic achievement and has an overall score of D+.
“We believe we can teach any academic subject through the lens of gardening. In 2019, 50% of our summer camp students increased their eagerness for learning. The more we expose children to gardens and our curriculum, the more they WANT to learn, and the more likely they will be to succeed in school.” - Fayth Ross, Executive Director, 2016-Present
“Urban Roots impacted my students in such a positive way and helped reinforce the skills being taught in class. I am grateful that this program was at our school because the students not only learned about gardening, but lifelong skills.” - 2nd grade teacher, Sun Valley Elementary
According to the 2018 National Survey for Children's Health, 34% of Nevada's children are obese or overweight - that’s higher than the national average of 30.8%!
“Urban Roots creates food explorers which can lead to being healthy eaters. After time with Urban Roots’ programming, children demonstrate an interest in new foods by asking their parents to grow their own food, purchase new foods at the grocery store, and prepare healthier foods at home.” - Josie Luciano, Executive Director, 2008-2012
“My son can’t wait to come to Urban Roots so he can harvest and cook. Since he started this class, he’s always asking me if he can sauté kale at home now. I love that he’s so excited to eat this way!” - Farm School Parent, 2016
HEALTHY EATING
HEALTHY EATING
According to NOAA, temperatures in Nevada have increased about 2 degrees F since the beginning of the 20th century.
“Garden programs for children instill appreciation and respect for nature which carries into adulthood. Urban Roots is sowing the seeds for environmental stewardship. After Farm Camp, students have an increased desire to spend more time outside and in the garden in particular.” - Jeff Bryant, Executive Director, 2012-2016
“At my daughter’s insistence, we started composting at home. Thank goodness she learned how to at Urban Roots. I wouldn’t know where to get started!” - Farm Camp parent, 2016
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
What We Do
From building school gardens to camps, Urban Roots is working to connect our community to the food they eat. We offer a wide array of educational programming from camps, to farm school, and garden programs for schools!
Get Involved
Urban Roots has programs for everyone, every ability, and every garden-related interest. From building school gardens to camps, we're working to connect our community to the food they eat. We offer a wide array of educational programming from daycamps, to farm school, and garden programs for schools! Check out our grade curriculum guides to use in your own learning adventures, and to get an idea of what we teach.