Our Programs
Living Laboratories
What is a Living Laboratory?
Living Laboratories are outdoor garden classrooms, created and maintained by Greater
Newark Conservancy at Newark schools. The Living Labs are used to teach school children
about the environment and horticulture. This program help students develop an appreciation
for the environment while learning what steps they can take to protect it. Living Labs range in size
from several city lots, to tiny school courtyards,or empty street-tree wells on the block near a school.
How does the Living Lab program work?
Greater Newark Conservancy provides two lessons a month to participating classes in schools
with Living Labs. Lessons correlate to New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards. The
Conservancy develops a garden design and then provides construction and plant materials, as
well as field equipment,garden tools and technical guidance. As students plant and raise seeds,
test soil,compost weeds and hunt for insects they gain insight into, and appreciation for the
interdependence of ecosystems and the important role they can play in habitat preservation.
How can I help support the Living Lab program?
Greater Newark Conservancy is seeking Living Lab sponsors to help support this program. Your contribution can
help assure the continued implementation of two monthly lessons for more than 400 students in 14 schools.
Your tax-deductible donation also helps maintain the Conservancy’s Living Labs, even when the students
are out of school for the summer.
To become a Living Lab Sponsor contact:
Education Department
Telephone: 973-642-4646
Fax: 973-642-2218
E mail: gnc@citybloom.org
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Living Lab raised bed
Living Lab planted tree well
Planting the school garden
Grass seeds and sock China heads
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