Welcome to Highland Youth Garden
Our Mission
Highland Youth Garden grows minds, grows food and grows community in partnership with our Hilltop neighbors.
Our History
Located in one of the most economically challenged areas of Central Ohio, the seeds for Highland Youth Garden were planted in 2009 when a neighborhood recreation center closed and local educators and lovers-of-gardening began growing food and teaching children on the plot. Now, we feature one of the largest high tunnels in the city, an outdoor kitchen, a natural playground and an acre full of berry bushes, seasonal crops, flowers and fruit trees.
What We Do
We offer a diverse, hands-on learning environment for children, giving them the space and guidance to grow their own food and explore nature. We work regularly with hundreds of students at Highland Elementary School, a nearby charter elementary school (the Educational Academy for Boys and Girls) and the Hilltop Early Learning Center. Twice-monthly field trips from these schools provide gardening, nutrition and ecology education and support curriculum standards in health, science, language arts and math. A total of 650 children go to school across the street from the garden and have regular access to our facility and programs, including free after school and summer programs. Our one-acre garden grows over 4,000 pounds of food annually, all of which is offered to Hilltop neighbors during our programs and free Garden Markets. We also build and support backyard gardens for families on the Hilltop, encouraging them to develop gardening skills at their own homes. We employ Westside teens throughout the year to learn gardening, community outreach and leadership skills, fostering the next generation of food justice and urban agriculture changemakers. A hub of community activity, Highland Youth Garden has no barrier fence and is welcoming to everyone 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Our Work
Growing Minds
We serve over 350 Hilltop youth a year with both in-school, after-school, and summer garden-based programming.
Growing Food
We grow over 3,000 pounds of food that goes straight from the garden to the surrounding community.
Growing Community
We’re deeply connected to our neighborhood and community, hosting regular garden markets, special events, and more.
For Children & Youth
Garden Experiences
If you’re a school, recreation center, or other youth-centered organization on the Westside of Columbus, bring your kids to come learn in the garden!
Garden Programming
We host a wide range of programming for children and youth of all ages who live or go to school in the Hilltop. Whether joining a Garden Club, our teen program, or visiting our Garden Market, we guarantee an incredible experience.
Join the Movement
Your donation, volunteer time, and engagement makes a direct impact on the Hilltop Community.
Tour The Garden
Join one of our hour-long Public Garden Tours. Garden Tours are offered twice monthly during the warmer months, are 100% free, and are chock-full of information about Highland Youth Garden.
Donate
Your in-kind or monetary donation makes a direct impact on the youth and neighborhood.
We are a registered 501(c)3. Our EIN is 83-4480130.
Volunteer
The garden lends itself to a range of fun, engaging, and meaningful volunteer opportunities. Work with youth, tend to the garden, offer administrative support, and more. Families with children are encouraged to volunteer together.
Keep Up With Highland Youth Garden
