The vision of the Learning Gardens is to preserve ways of nature-based living through permaculture, outdoor education, and hands-on exploration, fostering a sustainable partnership with the earth and its inhabitants. While growing food is at the heart of what we do, growing minds is equally important.
The land now home to the Learning Gardens rests on the ancestral homelands of the Caddo people, who lived here for thousands of years. The Caddo were skilled farmers, foragers, and land stewards, cultivating corn, beans, and squash while gathering wild plants, hunting, and fishing in harmony with the seasons. Their deep respect for the earth and ability to live in balance with its resources continue to inspire us today. At the Learning Gardens, we honor these traditions by practicing sustainable farming, mindful foraging, and community-centered living that nurture both the land and those who call it home.
The Learning Gardens is located on CRC Farm, land that was once part of the ACME Brick Company’s sand and clay quarry operations. Since the 1980s, it passed through multiple owners, and by the time CRC acquired the property, much of it had been left as degraded wasteland. Today, in partnership with CRC, the Learning Gardens is implementing regenerative agriculture practices to restore the soil, rebuild native ecosystems, and bring the land back to a thriving natural state. This work creates not only a healthier environment but also a living classroom where the community can come together to learn hands-on how to heal and regenerate the land.
The Learning Gardens is proud to serve the community with free and low-cost programs, but we rely on consistent support to keep this possible. Monthly donations are especially vital—they allow us to plan ahead, offer more scholarships, and respond to the growing demand for accessible educational experiences.