186: Growing a Greener Future with CitySprouts: Pubic School Gardens for Teaching & Learning

🌱 Episode 186: Growing a Greener Future with CitySprouts: Pubic School Gardens for Teaching & Learning

In this episode, Victoria talks with Alex Frank of CitySprouts about how school gardens function as both science labs and creative spaces. Together, they explore how urban school gardens cultivate curiosity, connection, and meaningful learning experiences for students and educators alike—while growing a greener future from the ground up.

🌿 In This Episode, We Explore:

Why school gardens are both a science and an art

How hands-on garden learning sparks curiosity and wonder in students

What makes urban school gardens powerful spaces for learning and community

The role of after-school and summer programs in deepening garden-based learning

How educators and gardeners build momentum together through shared practice and collaboration

🌼 Meet Alex:

Alex Frank is the Senior Program Manager at CitySprouts, an urban gardening nonprofit based in Cambridge and Boston. CitySprouts’ mission is to cultivate curiosity and wonder in students through hands-on science learning in their own schoolyard gardens.

Alex oversees CitySprouts’ Green Team program, a tuition-free afterschool and summer initiative that provides teens with opportunities to work learn outdoors in their own communities—building skills and experience that support future green education and career pathways.

He also coordinates the Boston-Area School Gardens Conference, a professional development gathering that brings educators, gardeners, and community partners together to share best practices and strengthen the urban school garden movement.

🌼 Contact Alex:

You can follow our Facebook, Instagram (@citysproutsma), and LinkedIn pages, as well as explore our website (citysprouts.org) for information, curriculum, blogposts, and more!

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FREE Outdoor Classroom Resource:

🌿 Our Children's Library: 4 Types of Teaching Gardens Booklist (PDF) (halfway down the page)

Outdoor Classroom Resources & Links:

🎓 Outdoor Classrooms Teacher Certification Program

🎓 Outdoor Teaching Bootcamp

🎓 Seasonal Masterclass Bundle (includes Exploring Nature in Winter Masterclass)

🎓 Teaching Beyond Walls Capstone Course

🌸 CIRCLE Membership for Educators