The land centers all that we do: hands-on, place-based work that supports holistic learning, leadership development, and engagement in sustainable local food systems. LGL stewards land historically cared for by Indigenous nations of Oregon, including the Cayuse, Clackamas, Cowlitz, Umatilla, and Walla Walla. The site remains unceded, contestable indigenous land under the Portland city government. Through the 1950s, the area was used as a dairy farm. In 1974, Green Thumb was established as a horticultural and vocational education program for Portland Public School students throughout the city. Today the Green Thumb site is co-owned by Portland Public Schools and Portland Parks and Recreation. Site partners include Black Futures Farm, Brentwood North and South Community Gardens, Multnomah County Master Gardeners, and of course, the Learning Gardens Laboratory.
The Places of LGL
- Story Circle: Space for students to share and learn together.
- Harvest Share Plots: Produce grown in these plots are shared through our community Farm Stand, weekly produce boxes, local food banks, and mutual aid organizations.
- Family Garden Plots: LGL’s local community garden.
- Landrace Plots: Dedicated to open pollination, seed saving, and plant experimentation.
- “Fedge” (Food-Hedge): This area invites both humans and non-humans to engage with their senses and features a variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials that provide food, medicine, and learning opportunities.
- Garden Education Beds: The home base for Lane Middle School learning and our K-12 programming. This area is the embodiment of what the Learning Gardens are all about, where experimentation is welcome and a “learn as you grow” attitude is cultivated.
- Mindfulness Sanctuary: A space that invites cultural and spiritual intention setting for all. Engage your senses- observe, touch, smell, and taste herbs.
- Dry Farm Plots: Where we experiment with dry farming practices. Dry farming is exactly what it sounds like, crop production without irrigation.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Garden!
Read about Who We Are, What We Do, & The Beings of LGL
Learning Gardens Laboratory
6745 SE 60th Ave, Portland, OR 97206
Learning Gardens Laboratory 