From River Reporter -- January 10, 2024 -- SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Would your school, daycare or other youth-focused group like to create an edible garden?

Sullivan 180 has released the Catskill Edible Garden Project grant applications, intended for Sullivan County schools, daycare facilities and organizations. Applications are due Thursday, February 1.

The project is a partnership between Sullivan 180, Catskill Mountainkeeper and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Schools and community groups can design and make edible gardens, which can be used as living, outdoor, educational and gathering spaces. The projects offer healthy local food, hands-on experience and exposure to food and agriculture as important parts of our community and culture.

The program provides funding support, technical assistance, educational programs and design as well as staff to facilitate the development and building of gardens. 

The project matters to kids, said Dennis Lankau, gardening coordinator at Monticello’s Rutherford School. “This is their garden; they planted it and grew it… It is fun, satisfying, and educational, and it can be life-changing for the future adults that you are teaching.”  

For more information or to download the application, visit www.Sullivan180.org/grants-scholarships or call 845/295-2680.