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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2020 - Jun 30, 2021


Success StoryRecovery Garden



Recovery Garden

Author: Kaitlin Farlee

Planning Unit: Boyle County CES

Major Program: Community Gardens and Horticulture Therapy

Plan of Work: Acquisition of Life Skills

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Drug and alcohol addiction continues to be a growing concern across the nation. In an effort to support individuals on their path to recovery, the Boyle County Extension Office has partnered with a local recovery center to provide meaningful, educational opportunities.

For years, the Nutrition Education Program (NEP) assistant has offered nutrition classes at the center, equipping clients with the knowledge to make healthier food choices. Recently, the horticulture agent joined the effort, proposing a collaborative initiative that would incorporate gardening as a form of horticultural therapy.

Together, the agents applied for and received funding through the NEP Recovery Garden Program through UK. The program  engages 15–20 recovery center clients in regular gardening and nutrition classes and hands-on gardening workdays.

Participants not only learn how to grow their own fruits and vegetables but also harvest produce to use in their NEP cooking and nutrition lessons. The garden offers a therapeutic space where clients can connect with nature, build life skills, and gain confidence in their ability to provide fresh, healthy food for themselves and their families.

Looking ahead, more educational sessions are being planned to further support clients as they care for and expand their gardens—turning recovery into a journey of growth, empowerment, and resilience.






Stories by Boyle County CES


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