Who are we…
Vision:
Empowering children for a healthy future through hands-on learning in science, food cultivation, and stewardship of the garden ecosystems.
Mission:
We teach children science, the basics of growing food, and how to be good stewards of the earth using school and community gardens as outdoor classrooms.
We support building resourceful communities that celebrate every member’s unique strengths, talents, culture and perspectives.
Who we serve…
We serve the Eugene 4J, Bethel, Springfield, and Junction City School Districts.
14 of SGP’s 18 partner schools are Title 1A school wide schools. These schools are in communities with high rates of poverty and the Department of Education has identified that every child in attendance needs additional educational support to assure student success.
94% of the schools that the School Garden Project partner with are participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the free and reduced lunch program. CEP schools are in communities with high rates of families receiving SNAP and TANF benefits. Eligibility for the CEP program means that every child at the school receives a free breakfast and lunch.
When School Garden Project of Lane County partners with a school, our science-based curriculum is delivered by our team of experienced garden educators. Large class sizes transform into small learning communities. We offer more individualized attention and support to the students who need it the most.
For many of our students, our class is the only opportunity they have to taste “fresh” fruits and vegetables.
One of our partner teachers shared that a child in her fifth-grade class that had been shuffled between family members for most of his life and was currently houseless, came to her and thanked her for garden class. He said, “I get to taste things that I have never tasted before!
Partner Schools
4J:
After School Programs:
McCornack Elementary
Springfield:
Junction City:
Laurel Elementary
Bethel:
Meet Our Team
Our Staff
Executive Director
Mindy Bell joined the team as Executive Director in 2018. She enjoys all the natural beauty our state has to offer. She has over 18 years private financial sector business management and national team-building experience.
Mindy made a career change to nonprofit service in 2010. She has built programs from the ground up and done advocacy work for underserved communities at both the state and federal government levels.
Operations Director
Heather joined School Garden Project in 2016. One of her earliest memories is sneaking out to her first garden to pull up the carrots to check on their progress. (Sadly, they didn’t get bigger after she carefully put them back in the ground!)
With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit world as both an employee and co-founder of the HHH Foundation, Heather is thrilled to be back in her hometown working at an organization fostering the love of planting, growing and eating real food in children.
Garden Educator
As a life-long science and outdoor enthusiast, Sara Hicks is excited to join School Garden Project in the role of garden educator. Sara first became passionate about using creative, hands-on methods to demonstrate complex scientific principles as an instructor at Utah State University. With a degree in cellular biology and biomathematics, she worked in the field of molecular diagnostics, before taking time to raise her four children. She currently works part time for the Junction City School District as an educator, volleyball coach, and parent volunteer. As a garden educator, Sara is thrilled to teach kids science in an environment where students can let curiosity direct their learning and then apply their knowledge in a meaningful, practical way.
Sara receives a great deal of satisfaction working with her husband and kids on their small farm. With a large garden, fruit trees, chickens, and cattle, she enjoys providing meals for her family that are quite literally, farm to table. She hopes to pass along the skills of self-sufficiency she learned from her parents and grandparents. In her free time, Sara enjoys exploring the natural beauty found in the Pacific Northwest along with volunteering in her community and church.
Garden Educator
Sarah joined the School Garden Project in 2023. She enjoys helping students discover the joy of growing their own food while learning how gardening connects to sustainability, nutrition, and a healthy planet.
Garden Educator
My name is Shayla Loreman, and I really enjoy plants, animals, outdoor activities, and arts/crafts. I have been working with children for about 7 years, and am highly passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences for them that inspire curiosity, creativity, and sustainable care for the environment!
Garden Educator
Jackie Isaksen is homegrown right here in Eugene and Springfield! She is an avid gardener and a house plant enthusiast. With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science and a Spanish minor, she comes well-equipped to educate youngsters in both Spanish and English. Her passion for growing and cultivating doesn’t stop in the garden, but overflows into her relationships with her students.
Garden Educator
My name is Emily! I am 24, and studying at UO for my Bachelors in General Social Sciences. When I am not in the garden, I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, reading, traveling, music, and spending time with my dogs.
Garden Educator
Selina joined School Garden Project in 2025 after earning her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oregon. She’s passionate about helping kids learn through exploration, creativity, and time outdoors. When she’s not teaching, you can find her hiking, backpacking, and enjoying nature.
Garden Educator
Our Board
President
Ken spent his young life on some acreage just west of Eugene where he helped the family raise chickens, cows, horses, and a few hogs. He participated in 4-H and helped his folks maintain a cherry orchard until leaving to Oregon State University where he graduated as a Civil Engineer. Later in his career he would obtain a master’s degree in engineering from the University of New Mexico.
His engineering career took him to numerous places while working for the U.S. Public Health Service, Indian Health Service including Oklahoma, and the Hopi, Fort Apache, San Carlos Apache and Kaibab Paiute reservations before transferring to Alaska.
Upon return to Eugene, he worked with his father and brother at Evans Building Company as a general contractor. He founded Hockey Oregon, LLC which operates the Ice Rink at the fairgrounds and the Eugene Generals hockey team. Ken is on the Board of Directors of the School Garden Project, the Emerald Empire Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, and the Frozen Ice Sports nonprofit.
Ken is now semi-retired and spends time with the nonprofits as well as tending to his Canis Vitae Vineyard. Ken believes learning about crops and growing them while incorporating science and engineering principles to produce the crops and livestock is important. This learning, with hands on experience, help provide life experiences and knowledge needed by well rounded school children.
Vice President
Treasurer
David Goers is a devoted husband to his wife Stephanie and father of two sons, Joel and Patrick. His passion for the outdoors and education led him to serve on the School Garden Project board.
With a background in plant genetics and clinical chemistry labs, David decided to focus his future on helping families plan for theirs. He earned his AAMS® professional designation in 2013 and his CFP® designation in 2015, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and dedication to the financial planning profession. As Treasurer he is a valued member and contributor of our board.
Secretary
August grew up in Eugene and has a lifelong passion for the outdoors, from mountain biking and skiing to camping and generally exploring nature. He is the CFO of a local snowboard company and brings financial and organizational expertise to the board. August is excited to support the School Garden Project’s mission of connecting kids with hands-on learning in the natural world.
Board Member
Ken joined the SGP board in 2019.
Ken has been the Community Relations and Engagement officer at Rexius for the last 30 years and is active in the community as the Executive Director of The Hope Project.
Board Member
Kurt Eickhorst is the Sales and Marketing Specialist at Mielke Broadcasting Company. He has been an active community volunteer as an ambassador with the Eugene and Springfield Chambers, a board member with ShelterCare and now with the School Garden Project. Kurt is also an avid gardener and enjoys spending time with his grandchildren in the garden.
Board Member
Liz is the Regional Director of Sales for Mereté Hotel Management and has a passion for hospitality, supporting local youth programs and being an active community member. Liz found her passion for plants and gardening while in Future Farmers of America. She was introduced to the School Garden Project in 2012 and has volunteered throughout the years, now as a Board Member.
Board Member
Leighanna Jagels, ND, is the Medical Operations Director at Oregon Integrated Health. Her passion for community health education led her to serve on the board of the School Garden Project, promoting sustainability and wellness for students.
Board Member
Our Funders & Partners
