Hands-on gardening, science, and sustainability education for learners of all ages.
🌱 Looking for the story behind the garden? Read Growing More Than Food: The Heart of Ridglea Giving Garden.
🌿 About Ridglea Giving Garden
Located on the grounds of Ridglea Christian Church in west Fort Worth, the Ridglea Giving Garden serves both as a community food source and an outdoor classroom. Volunteers grow produce for local food pantries while teaching children and adults how healthy soil supports healthy communities.
📚 Learning That Supports TEKS Standards
Many Ridglea programs are designed in collaboration with educators and support Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards in science, environmental literacy, and health. Each class integrates observation, experimentation, and reflection—helping students connect classroom concepts to real-world food systems.
Want to see how Delve supports state learning goals? 👉 Explore how Delve Experiences align with TEKS across Texas.
🪴 Field Trips for Schools & Homeschool Groups
Exploring the Garden Ecosystem
Grades: Pre-K through Elementary
Students explore soil, pollinators, and plant life in an interactive outdoor setting through pollination games, compost detective work, and journaling.
TEKS Focus: Ecosystems, life cycles, soil health, plant parts, observation.
Garden Tasting & Fighting Hunger
Grades: Middle School through College
Students taste fresh produce, explore nutrition and food justice, and discuss how local gardens impact community health and hunger.
TEKS Focus: Food systems, nutrition, civic engagement, sustainability.
Become a Soil Scientist
Grades: Elementary & Middle School
Hands-on testing, worm observation, and compost exploration show how living soil sustains ecosystems. Students often take home a mini wormery and planting supplies.
TEKS Focus: Decomposition, ecosystems, scientific tools, plant needs.
🛠️ Gardening Workshops for Families & Adults
Composting Made Easy
Audience: Adults & Families
Learn to build and maintain a compost system using Ridglea’s own demonstration bins. Participants leave with practical tools for food-waste reduction.
Focus: Decomposition, soil regeneration, sustainable gardening.
Seed Starting & Transplanting
Audience: Adults & Families
Learn germination techniques and how to plan for Texas growing seasons. Includes hands-on seed starting and take-home resources.
Irrigation & Watering for Garden Success
Tour the production garden and learn water-smart techniques for keeping plants healthy through Texas heat and drought.
🐞 Garden-Based Science & Ecosystems
Understanding Garden Insects: Helpers & Pests
Audience: Families or Adults
Families enjoy scavenger hunts and insect crafts; adult sessions focus on organic pest management and biodiversity in home gardens.
Curious about pollinators? 🐝 See our mobile Honeybee Show-and-Tell experience.
🍽️ Food Literacy & Cooking
Garden Tasting & Cooking Demonstration
Audience: Families, Homeschool Groups, Clubs
Harvest, prep, and taste garden-fresh ingredients while learning simple, plant-forward recipes that encourage healthy eating habits.
🎯 Need Help Choosing?
Not sure which class fits your group? Our team can help design sessions based on age, size, and subject area. Contact us to discuss your goals or schedule a consultation.
✏️ Note on TEKS & Educational Value
Every program at Ridglea Giving Garden is hands-on and inquiry-driven. Some are fully TEKS-aligned while others focus on enrichment—building confidence, community connection, and stewardship of local food systems.
Looking for more TEKS-supportive field trips in the Dallas–Fort Worth area? 👉 Explore other DFW field trips that support TEKS.
For a behind-the-scenes look at Ridglea’s story and impact, visit Growing More Than Food. Families can also read From Curious to Confident for a first-hand perspective on visiting the garden with kids.
