Creating garden-based education programs that power happy, healthy & smart youth.
Who We Are
Founded in 2001, One Cool Earth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization rooted in the belief that every child deserves a place to grow. We support lifelong wellness and environmental stewardship for families and youth from birth through young adulthood, cultivating a thriving, resilient community - one garden at a time.
What We Do
Here at One Cool Earth we build, create and sustain garden classrooms across San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County. Learn more about our programming below!
Central Coast School Garden Programming
Play Grove, Early Childhood Program
Perinatal & Family Gatherings
College Mentorship
Environmental Education Coalition
Our Impact
Happy.
Screen time is up. Outdoor time is down. Garden education boosts mental health by getting kids outside - moving, exploring, and connecting with nature.
Healthy.
Most kids aren’t eating enough vegetables; only 2% meet the daily recommendation, but garden programs can triple students' willingness to try new produce.
Smart.
Only 50% of SLO County 5th graders are proficient in science. Our garden program helps bridge this gap by providing hands-on, “learn-by-doing” experiences that bring science to life.
Since 2016…
… and still counting.
Our Partner Schools
One Cool Earth serves public schools San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County, reaching communities from San Miguel to Guadalupe and everywhere in between.
One Cool Earth’s headquarters, Play Grove, is located in San Luis Obispo.
Testimonials
"Over the past few years it has been such a gift to have a garden at our school with the added gardeners that have created and nurtured not only the garden but our students. I work in the kindergarten class directly in front of the garden location and get to witness first hand the excitement and learning taking place every Tuesday. I see kids trying new vegetables, planting the next rotation, getting their hands dirty, watering, building, being outside and working together in their garden."
-Louise Kramer, Teacher at Pacheco Elementary School
"My daughter has gained new friends, a wider vocabulary, confidence in herself and a sense of independence since starting here. It’s only been a few months and she’s already grown so much. It’s a beautiful place w beautiful teachers that you can feel really care about their job and your child. I feel very safe leaving her there and would recommend Play Grove to anyone with preschool age children.
- Lauren, Play Grove Parent
"I love to watch the animals’ habitat and help pull out weeds. then I like going to the green house and then eat some of the grapes that the garden teacher harvested. Then I pick up all the trash and put it away where it belongs."
- 4th Grader, Shandon Elementary
"We’re really glad to take down the walls of the classroom, we can come out, bring the outdoors back in with us, it’s opened up a lot of wonderful avenues and allowed our students to connect into the learning. This environment, right here where we are today, can be very motivating for students. This program is high-interest, hands-on, and super engaging for kids.
—Tom Butler, former Atascadero Unified Superintendent
One Cool Earth is such a wonderful program for the students. Classroom lessons in science and math mean more when students have had hands-on experience in the outdoors. One Cool Earth is a wonderful resource for our schools to make a richer learning experience for our children!"
-Becky, OCE Donor
Every dollar you donate helps us build and maintain school gardens, deliver hands-on academic lessons, provide materials for student projects, and train educators. This creates meaningful outdoor learning experiences that connect children with nature, healthy food, and their communities.
