Through NACD’s UAC Grant Initiative, CCCD partnered with the Y.E.S. House to turn a singular raised bed into a fully developed and interactive Learning Garden space. The project, coined “Growth Through Growth,” sought not only to increase the development of urban agriculture opportunities to provide sources of fresh food to the community, but also worked to increase youth education surrounding the importance of these developments for local natural resources management. Activities such as tree plantings, propagation of pollinator species, and the creation of Chickadee nesting boxes were some of the major activities which showcased the links between an overall healthy ecosystem and the benefits these components of natural resources have for urban garden spaces.
            “Growth Through Growth” relied heavily on support from local, State, and Federal partnerships to ensure the success of the program. Rayne Gardens, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, and American Bird Conservancy provided the technical expertise for workshops, as well as the donation of materials to ensure garden success. Furthermore, the Campbell County Fire Department’s (CCFD’s) Wellness Committee were instrumental in the initial expansion of the garden space and will continue to assist the organization if future expansion needs arise. CCCD staff have also completed specialized training, funded under the UAC Initiative, through both the University of Wyoming (UW) Extension’s Master Gardener Program and the Oregon State University’s (OSU’s) School Garden Coordinator Certificate Training, to ensure staff have continued capacity to serve this program following the grant period.