Mountain Garden Initiative provides a space for kids to learn about science, nature, and gardening in a hands-on, outdoor environment. We believe kids can learn valuable lessons about plant growth and gardening both inside and outside the classroom. We hope that school gardens will foster a love for homegrown produce, healthy soil, and the great outdoors through hands-on gardening experience from an early age. The first garden was founded at Cumberland Elementary School in Harlan County, KY, by Rachel Manning and Hilary Neff during the summer of 2012.