Posted: June 24, 2026
Growing to Green is excited to announce that applications for the 2026 Urban Garden Leadership Academy (UGLA) are now open! Fueled by the incredible success of our inaugural cohort- and the invaluable support of our community partners, mentors, and facilitators- we are thrilled to launch our second year. Join us for another season of collaborative education, garden leadership development, and community cultivation.
The Urban Garden Leadership Academy is an initiative led by Franklin Park Conservatory’s Growing to Green program, co-sponsored by OSU Extension, and in collaboration with experienced community garden leaders and community partners. UGLA is designed to empower, connect, and equip current and emerging leaders in Central Ohio’s community gardening and urban agriculture space.
Participants will gain valuable leadership and organizational skills through interactive workshops, hands-on learning, peer exchange, and mentorship. The program covers critical topics like food systems and policy, garden planning, advanced growing techniques, community outreach, storytelling and visibility, budgeting, fundraising, and organizational management.
This program is ideal for individuals who:
• Are currently leading or actively involved in a community garden, urban farm, or garden-based initiative in Central Ohio (formal or informal roles).
• Have a vision and commitment to grow their garden’s community impact and actively involved in a garden that serves their local community.
• Are emerging leaders ready to take on more responsibility in their garden or food justice efforts.
• Available for weekly sessions (Aug-Oct 2026)
