Regenerative Food Systems in Times of Global Change
As we grapple with ongoing effects of climate change (pandemics, wildfires, extreme weather events, and more), the Learning Gardens Laboratory (LGL) remains dedicated to crafting local and community resilience. We are proud to have been essential infrastructure during the lockdowns and believe that our work is now more vital than ever. In spring 2023, we welcome the Brentwood-Darlington and Portland State communities back to the gardens for in-person educational activities and volunteer opportunities. Our commitment to providing fresh, high-quality, affordable produce remains strong and we strive to learn and adapt through the process while building healthy soils, relationships, and community. The LGL staff are thrilled to offer socially responsible workshops, events, plant & food sales, volunteer hours, classes, and more. As the growing season continues, you can support all that we do by making a tax-deductible donation today.
Our mission
The Learning Gardens Laboratory fosters leadership for learners of all ages through experiential garden-based education, deep reciprocity with the land, and engagement in local sustainable food systems.
Who we are
The Learning Gardens Laboratory is part of a 12-acre greenspace known as the Green Thumb site, located in the heart of the diverse, working-class Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood. Established in 2005, LGL’s vibrant gardens provide learning for all-ages in regenerative agriculture, health and healing, civic engagement, and ecological design.
The land centers all that we do: hands-on and place-based work supports holistic learning, leadership development, and participation in sustainable local food systems. LGL stewards land historically cared for by the indigenous nations of Oregon, including the Cayuse, Clackamas, Cowlitz, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples. The site remains unceded, contestable indigenous land under Portland city government. Through the 1950s, the area was used as a dairy farm that in 1974 became the Green Thumb, a horticultural and vocational education program for Portland Public School students throughout the city. Today the Green Thumb site is co-owned by Portland Public Schools and Portland Parks and Recreation. Site partners include Black Futures Farm, Black and Brown Herb Collective, OSU’s Master Gardeners, and of course, the Learning Gardens Laboratory.
Today, dozens of garden spaces growing vegetables, fruit, and ornamentals speckle our 3.4 acres; some are cared for by Lane Middle School students, while others are production beds tended by PSU students, collaborators from Black Futures Farm, and neighborhood families.
One of five large onsite greenhouses hosts Learning Gardens Lab activities such as workshops, seed exchanges, transplant preparations, & celebrations, and shelters many classes and meetings. Nearby, OSU’s Master Gardeners grow beautiful and educational display gardens. A large community orchard can be found on the northeast corner of the site. To the north, Portland Public Schools runs their Community Transition Center, a post-high school program for students transitioning into the community. Lane Middle School, one of Portland most culturally and linguistically diverse schools, is located just across the street. Lane teachers, students, and SUN School program (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) have been integral partners with LGL since we began in 2005.
All programs at LGL are coordinated by a staff team of graduate students from the Leadership for Sustainability Education (LSE) program at PSU, as well as other graduate programs like the Sustainable Food Systems Certificate. After nearly two decades as a program of PSU, LGL is becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in partnership with Portland State. This new relationship will allow more flexibility and stability for LGL while still providing PSU students and staff with rich service learning and community engagement opportunities.
What we do
- Garden-based science & sustainability education with Lane Middle School students.
- Professional development opportunities for PK-12 educators.
- Service learning capstone courses with 100+ PSU students a year.
- Weekly donations to PSU, Woodstock, and BDNA food pantries.
- Digital storytelling projects with PSU freshman as part of a year-long course.
- Hands-on-gardening and sustainable living skills with local neighbors in the Lane Family Garden.
- Community Harvest Share & Farmstand: Fresh produce available for weekly purchase (May-Oct) grown with love at LGL.
- Annual community celebrations: Autumn Harvest Festival and April Earth Peopleʻs Fair.
Want to visit with a group?
We’d love to have you at LGL for a garden-based education tour, a service-learning activity, field trip, community service, or other educational experience. We’re happy to work with you to customize a learning experience that is just right for your group. To make arrangements, please contact our volunteer coordinator at lglvolunteer@gmail.com. We request a $5 donation per person for all group visits.
Volunteering at LGL
The Learning Gardens Laboratory could not function without the dedication, passion, and participation of our partners. In times of limited financial resources the abundance of energy and efforts of our volunteers are vital. Sustainable partnerships and the spirit of service are what make LGL tick!
If you have questions or would like to join in our work, message us at lglvolunteer@gmail.com. For more information, please review the Volunteer Handbook and fill out our Volunteer Liability Waiver. When you volunteer with LGL, you will be introduced to the site and our team, and learn about our regenerative practices.
We host volunteer work parties the first Saturday of each month from 10:00-1:00. We hope you can join us! Also, keep an eye on our social media for workshop topics and special events!
Wishlist
Click to see our current supplies wishlist—new and/or used items are welcome!
Location
The Learning Gardens are located in SE Portland on 60th Avenue (across from Brentwood Park between Duke and Flavel).
6745 SE 60th Ave. Portland, OR 97206 USA