Our Crowdfunding Groups
STEAM Education through Community, Research, and Education
The SECREd Garden vision integrates programming that supports education at all levels including early childhood, school age, higher education, and teacher education; community outreach; economic development; mental health; research; food scarcity; and campus development and beautification through the use of garden and outdoor learning spaces.
Gardens have long played a role in addressing the physical, social, and emotional aspects of neighborhoods and communities (Siewell, Aguirre & Thomas, 2015). Community gardens can contribute to social capital and increase conversation about wellness, cooperation, and civic pride (Egli, Oliver, & Tautolo, 2016). Gardens are linked to beautification and social organizing that tends to contribute to overall community health (Alaimo, Reischl & Allen, 2010). Knowledge about the benefits of community gardens can influence government agencies, policy makers, and urban planning (Siewell, Aguirre, & Thomas, 2015). The use of community garden spaces on the Fresno State campus will lend itself to a strengthening campus community, beautification, and social wellness.
Our proposed demonstration garden will be a .25 acre space located near the Kremen School of Education and Human Development. In addition to becoming a learning space it will provide a place for Fresno State students and faculty to relax and enjoy the outdoors! Our 15 member interdisciplinary advisory board has been working since 2016 to create a space that is enjoyable, educational, and sustainable!
SECREd Garden is currently seeking donations for Phase 1 construction and ground breaking! We have received pre-approval for a site that is sure to spark the interest and excitement of Fresno State students and the community at large!
"SECREd Garden will provide for equitable and accessible science learning experiences for young children while supporting pre-service teacher training, interdisciplinary research, campus and community partnerships, and most importantly, food security and wellness opportunities on the Fresno State campus and in surrounding communities." - Christina Macias, Project Lead
Please consider making a donation if you are able or share our program with others through social media!
If you or your organization would like a personal presentation, in person or via Zoom, to learn more about the long-term goals of the project, please contact:
Christina Macias, SECREd Garden Project Lead
(559) 349-9159 (cell)
clmacias@csufresno.edu
If you or your organization is interested in donating in person or interested in the long-term financial needs of the project, please contact:
Laura Whitehouse Clark, Director of Development
(559) 278-0393 (office)
(559) 559-940-3346 (cell)
Research has shown us that plants can help children learn. Outdoor learning spaces can improve concentration, focus, and reduce stress (Han KT, 2009). Your donation will support new outdoor learning experiences for children!
Did you know that the more time spent in a garden influences your exposure to vitamin D, which increases calcium levels, helping your bones and immune system! Your $20 donation will support wonderful curricular activities in the garden!
Planning and preparing a garden has many steps! From soils, to water, and proper sunlight, garden success is dependent on a healthy foundation! With your contribution of $50, we can begin prepping a healthy beginning for SECREd Garden!
With a $100 donation, your name will be included on a stepping stone in our garden space commemorating your support!
The health, social, and economic impacts of community gardens spaces are diverse. From improved access to food, nutrition, and physical activity, community gardens promote social health and community cohesion. Your generous donation of $200 will allow us to broaden our community outreach capacity and will earn you a stepping stone in the garden commemorating your community building efforts in the garden!
With a donation of $500, your generosity will allow us to plan, market, and design all elements of a successful program. Your name will be included on a placard on a wall in the garden and will also be included on our program literature as a Founding Master Planner!
A $1,000 donation will allow us to support critical infrastructure, including garden beds, irrigation, lighting, and major equipment. Your name will be included on a placard on a commemorative wall within the site and will also be included in all program literature.
