2016 Challenge Winners

Congratulations to the students at the Hamilton County 4-H GIFT Garden, McLeansboro, IL for winning the 2016 Green Thumb Challenge grant!

Facilitated by the University of Illinois Extension, The GIFT Garden began in 2013 and  evolved into a great learning environment. This summer over 47 youth and 14 adults volunteered a total of 1,105 hours to grow 1,356 pounds of produce. With the past four years combined seasons a total of 2,865 pounds were donated to local food pantries, nursing homes, Heritage Woods and needy families!

Read about the winning project here

GEF received many grant applications from across the country. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who submitted an entry. Every garden was unique and demonstrated the amazing things that happen when children are connected with nature!

As the finalist, the Hamilton County 4-H Gift Gardeners won a $1000 Gardener’s Supply Company gift certificate and $250 to go towards the sustainability of their garden!

Be sure to read about the garden projects of all the finalists, listed to the right.