About Life Lab

Drawing on over thirty years of work with young people in gardens, Life Lab, a nonprofit organization, has emerged as a national leader in the garden-based learning movement. Through workshops and consultations, we have provided tens of thousands of educators across the country with the inspiration and information necessary to engage young people in gardens and on farms. Our workshops and award-winning publications are the go-to resource for educators and families interested in engaging young people in gardens. At the Life Lab Garden Classroom educational center in Santa Cruz, CA, we continue to promote experiential learning for people of all ages through field trips, our "Food What?!" youth empowerment and food justice program, children's camps, and teacher workshops.

Click here for a summary of Life Lab's programs.

Thanks to all Life Lab supporters who keep garden-based education thriving.

Recognition for Life Lab

Life Lab has won numerous awards and has been acclaimed by the following groups and individuals, among others:

National Science Teachers Association
National Science Foundation
National Science Resources Center/Smithsonian Institute
California School Board Association
U.S. Department of Education
National Academy of Sciences
U.S. Congressional Record
California Senator Bruce McPherson
United Way Family Friendly Workplace
Santa Cruz Education Foundation
Santa Cruz City Council
National Parenting Publications Awards
Independent Publisher Book Awards
Parents' Choice Book Awards

Life Lab History

It all started in 1979 with a team of inspired teachers, some open land outside a classroom, and a vision. Since the first Life Lab school garden was created at Green Acres Elementary School in Santa Cruz, CA, Life Lab has continuously engaged young people in gardens and taught others to do the same.