Youth programs

Shortlidge students planting tree on Arbor Day

It’s amazing to see what young people can accomplish. Just as we grow plants, we also want to grow people into passionate horticulturists and leaders. Our various youth projects help us do just this.

 

Our most notable youth program to date is the Horticultural and Environmental Leadership Program (HELP). Initiated in 2003, HELP is a free 5 week program focusing middle-school students on environmental and agricultural issues in their local and greater community.

 

Taking place at TheDCH aand at nearby Point Lookout Farm on the Brandywine River, HELP provides students the chance to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, practice teamwork, and demonstrate civic responsibility. The program format includes on-site horticulture and agriculture exploration, environmentally focused field trips, service-learning projects, leadership development activities, and local professionals who speak to the students about relevant topics.

I am soo excited about the growth of the garden. I am very proud that my family and I were able to be a part of this life changing, bring the community together and get...►
— Stephanie Jervey
Community gardener in the urban farm at 12th
TheDCH plants hundreds of street trees every year to increase urban tree canopies and to improve air quality in Delaware.