Begun in spring 2003, the Roots & Shoots youth program built on the success of the Perry Learning Garden by bringing at-risk middle schoolers together. They learned about nutrition, leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and local history as they a gardened at Depot Town's Freight House, site of the weekly Ypsilanti Depot Town Farmer's Market.

Youth worked both there and at other garden sites in Ypsilanti, and enjoyed field trips to horticultural, agricultural, and historical sites around our community. The group met twice a week and sold at the Farmer's Market occasionally throughout the summer. In 2005, youth assisted with healthy cooking demos at the Farmer's Market.

In 2006, the Roots & Shoots youth program shifted focus and started to bring youth together to learn more about the possibilities of market gardening. The 2006 Roots & Shoots participants grew their own cut flowers and produce for sale at the Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers' Market.

Now in its fifth year, the 2008 Roots & Shoots participants are learning the basics of business planning, nutrition, and gardening to plan for a successful season selling at Growing Hope's Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers' Market. This is the pilot year for our balm making enterprise. Participants design, make, and market an all-natural herbal hand balm, in addition to the many delicious veggies they grow at the Perry Learning Garden.

In 2008, Roots & Shoots is open to motivated young people in grades 8-12. We began in late March and will run through early October, Tuesdays & Thursday from 3:30-6:00 pm. We're currently taking applications for this free program, and hope you'll apply! See below for materials, and get your applications in soon!