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Not only is it beneficial for children and adults to connect with nature, but gardening is also a fun activity that gets the body and mind active. The end results are great for anyone who gardens because they are nourishing their bodies with healthy foods that they grew themselves.

During the conference, experts will cover a wide array of areas including gardening basics, gardening as a theme in school curriculum, soil building and raised bed construction, gardening rules and regulations and funding sources.

Many experts will share their knowledge of the tools and techniques needed to establish a successful garden. Those experts include Micah Stover, education director for Oklahoma City Beautiful; Cici Leonard, coordinator of the Oklahoma County Jr. Master Gardener Program; Shelby Mendoza, manager of Stillwater’s Our Daily Bread community garden; LaTasha Timberlake, owner of Lillian

Timber Farms INC; and Shelley Mitchell, OSU Extension youth horticulture specialist.

“People want to know they can find fresh food” Laughlin said. “Since the pandemic, the interest in gardening has increased. School and community gardens are ways to keep that momentum going.” news.ed@ocolly.com

Registration is $15 and includes lunch and a take-home Smart Pot. To register, call 405-713-1125 by Wednesday.