Growing Futures in Long Beach!

There’s something magical about watching kids dig their hands into the soil, pull up a fresh carrot, and realize they GREW that. It’s even more magical when community leaders step into the garden and witness that magic firsthand!

This week at Bryant Elementary, we had the absolute pleasure of hosting Kristina Duggan (Long Beach City Council Member) and Doug Otto (LBUSD Board of Education Vice President) for a special day in the garden. They came to see what Ground Education looks like in action—and let’s just say, they didn’t leave empty-handed!

Ground Ed is Growing at Bryant Elementary
Thanks to an incredible collaboration between LBUSD, Ground Education, and the Conservation Corps of Long Beach, Bryant Elementary has transformed a section of asphalt into a thriving garden and outdoor learning space. In addition to the raised garden beds where students plant, harvest, and learn, there’s also a native California plant habitat—complete with a log path for students to explore, scurry through, and experience the natural world up close. Principal Miller Bailey has already seen the impact, sharing that the garden and learning program has quickly become a school favorite. Kids are not just excited to spend time in these green spaces—they’re showing respect and appreciation for them, too.

More Than Just Growing Vegetables
Bryant Elementary 3rd graders had a big day—they harvested produce they had nurtured from tiny seeds, then carefully prepared soup ingredients and recipes to take home. But this was more than just a soup lesson. It was a hands-on experience in community, sustainability, and the joy of sharing. As they worked, the students chatted about what it means to take care of something, whether it’s a plant, a friend, or their neighborhood. They saw firsthand how the simple act of growing food can turn into something much bigger—a way to connect, to give, and to understand that we all have a role to play in taking care of each other.

Ground Education: A Growing Impact
Ground Education has been growing with Long Beach elementary students since 2008, bringing nature-based learning to life. With a joyful team of 34, including garden educators, a horticulture team, administrative support, and six CSULB interns, we provide on-campus school garden lessons to 30 LBUSD elementary schools. So far this school year alone, we've taught over 2,000 nature-based lessons, reaching 16,000 students every month with our hands-on curriculum that turns classroom learning into real-world experience.

A Huge Thank You
We are beyond grateful to our Long Beach City Council Members and LBUSD School Board Members for taking the time to support this program. When leaders invest in hands-on, meaningful education, they help cultivate not only gardens but also brighter, more connected futures for our kids. Together, we’re creating greener spaces, stronger communities, and lifelong lessons that grow far beyond the garden bed.