(Editor’s note: This group recollection of last year’s STEM in the Garden event was compiled from official Extension reports. We feel it’s a very worthy read and are honored to be able to use this space to share it.)
BRILLIANT — On Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, more than 80 attendees from Marion, Walker and Franklin counties, including 40 educators, administrators, Extension personnel and community members, gathered at Planting Roots Farm in Brilliant for the first-ever in-person STEM in the Garden Teacher Training Workshop held in Marion County.
With perfect weather, farm-fresh learning and a full day of hands-on activities, this event planted far more than seeds—it sowed excitement, inspiration and a new wave of classroom ideas.
STEM in the Garden is a statewide initiative that connects gardening with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.
But the roots of this workshop in Marion County began growing years ago. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, the program launched as a virtual training opportunity, giving teachers a chance to earn Continuing Education Units while gaining valuable tools to take back to their students—even from a distance.
“STEM in the Garden started because we had so many teachers coming to us looking for guidance on their outdoor classroom,” said Urban Regional Extension Agent Allyson Shabel. “We saw an opportunity to create a workshop focused specifically on helping teachers and educators learn how to care for outdoor classrooms in a way that would help it become a more successful teaching environment.
“It is open to anyone that helps with outdoor classrooms, including parents, outdoor classroom volunteers, master gardeners and educators of all kind. We have even had homeschool group leaders attend these workshops to learn how to incorporate gardening lessons into their curriculum. Each session of the workshop focuses on issues specific to outdoor classrooms and garden spaces included in most outdoor classrooms.”
Among those who registered during the early virtual sessions was then-SNAP-Ed Educator, now Extension Agent, Ginger Eatman.
“I was so excited about the opportunity,” Eatman recalled. “And I asked Dr. Pacumbaba how we could make this happen in Marion County and for the surrounding counties.”
That conversation planted the very first seed.
In the early years, the program remained online, but when it finally opened up for in-person training, Eatman jumped at the chance to attend. After more conversations with Pacumbaba and Shabel, the dream of bringing STEM in the Garden to local educators finally began to blossom.
Then, in the summer of 2024, Eatman received the call she had been waiting for.
“Allyson asked me if I was still interested,” she said with a smile. “Without hesitation and with excitement, I yelled, ‘YES!’”
Planning began immediately.
Eatman already knew the perfect place: Planting Roots Farm, owned by Conya Rawls, and operated by her and her father, Randall “Boots” Rawls—Marion County’s only certified Farm-to-School farm. As soon as they heard about the opportunity, the Rawls family eagerly agreed to host. Their farm provided a stunning and functional setting for a day filled with discovery,
dirt and dynamic instruction.
Eatman asked Lauranne James, executive director of Northwest RC&D, to partner for the event.
James said, “Northwest RC&D strives to provide opportunities to educate and excite our future generations to be good stewards of our land and its natural resources.
“So when we were asked to partner with Marion County Extension Services for STEM in the classroom, we immediately said yes!”
The day began with a welcome and introductions, followed by a soil health session led by Urban Regional Extension Agent Bronson Lubresky. After a short break, Shabel returned with an engaging session on garden insects, helping teachers distinguish between the “good bugs” and the “bad bugs.”
During the Learning Lunch, educators traveled to the garden of Trace Barnett, also known as “The Bitter Socialite,” who shared his passion for teaching gardening skills to the next generation. Boujee Bites, a local favorite out of Guin, provided a delicious and beautifully prepared lunch that made the experience even more memorable.
Afternoon breakout sessions offered teachers a choice between “15 Foolproof Plants for the Outdoor Classroom” with Shabel and “Plant Propagation in the Classroom” with Extension Agent Makahla Holloway. The final session, “Small Space Vegetable Gardening,” brought Lubresky back to share creative solutions for schools with limited space.
Beyond the presentations, attendees explored educational vendor booths that offered classroom tools, grant opportunities and take-home resources.
The event was a true collaboration—a partnership between Alabama A&M University, Northwest RC&D and USDA/NRCS, all working together to grow a brighter future for Alabama students.
For many teachers, the workshop left a lasting impression. Cathy East, a national board certified pre-K teacher at Parrish Elementary/Middle School, shared her thoughts:
“STEM in the Garden was such a meaningful experience for me and my co-worker, Mrs. Patton,” East said. “We learned so many new ways to incorporate our school garden into our curriculum.
“Planting Roots Farm was the perfect setting, and seeing how the farmers converted an old school bus into a greenhouse was incredible! My favorite part was learning about composting—so simple, yet something we can really do at our school.
“And meeting Trace Barnett? That was a treat! Hearing about his experience on Food Network and seeing his personal garden gave us tons of new ideas. I had no idea this fabulous farm was right in our backyard. Ginger, you’ve done so much for our school. We’re truly blessed to have you in our area.”
Hamilton Middle School Science Teacher Esther Ballard noted, “STEM in the Garden was such an inspiring workshop
for educators! We learned how to incorporate hands-on agricultural skills into our science lessons, thanks to local farmers who shared their incredible knowledge and innovations...some of which are still in the patent process!
“Agriculture plays a vital role in our world today, but especially here in Alabama. I'm so excited to attend again this year!”
For administrators, STEM in the Garden was an opportunity for their teachers to learn best practices to promote hands-on learning and sustainability.
“STEM in the Garden gives our teachers the tools to connect classroom learning to real-life experiences,” said Hackleburg High School Principal Trey George. “Our garden and greenhouse become more than just outdoor spaces—they transform into living labs where science, math and curiosity grow side by side.”
“STEM in the Garden brings learning to life for our elementary students,” said former Guin Elementary Principal Josh Weatherly. “By digging in the soil, exploring the greenhouse and working with their hands, they’re not just learning science—they’re building connections, staying engaged and developing the cognitive skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning.”
Marion County Extension Director
Carla Lewis noted, “When we plant the seeds of science in soil and sunlight, we grow more than plants—we cultivate curiosity, resilience and a deeper respect for life. Giving educators the tools to bring STEM into the garden is giving them the power to grow future innovators from the ground up.
“Workshops like this are more than just professional development-they’re transformative. They equip teachers with hands-on, nature-based learning that turns gardens into living classrooms. When students see biology in blooming tomatoes or other life growth, STEM becomes tangible, meaningful and alive.”
Eatman added, “Being able to offer STEM in the Garden in our area is an incredible opportunity to bring learning to life. Thanks to our valued partnerships with Northwest RC&D, Alabama A&M, Trace Barnett and Planting Roots Farm, we were able to give educators the tools they need with hands-on experiences they can take back to their classrooms—sparking curiosity, creativity and deeper connections to science, nutrition and the natural world.
“STEM in the Garden helps provide another layer for a more sustainable future.”
STEM in the Garden has officially taken root in Marion County—and it’s just the beginning. Thanks to the passion of educators like Eatman, the support of state and local partners and the generosity of community leaders like the Rawls family, this program is helping teachers cultivate the next generation of scientists, gardeners and changemakers—one seed at a time.
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for next event
“We are so appreciative of Planting Roots Farm hosting our first annual STEM in the Garden,” said officials.
“We would like to highlight different farms in our area.
“This year’s STEM in the Garden will be hosted at Factory Falls Apiary in Phil Campbell on Sept. 22. Registration is open to the first 40 registrants (by Sept. 18). Call the Marion County Extension Office at 205-921-3551 for more details.”
See complete story in the Journal Record.
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