2001
Tulsan Heather Oakley develops the Global Gardens model while earning Master’s degrees in Urban Science Education and Peace Education at Columbia University. Heather writes her Master’s thesis based on her project using gardening to engage middle-school students in Harlem to become active learners and community members.
2006
Upon moving back to Tulsa, Heather approaches Cindy Hemm, Principal of Eugene Field Elementary, about piloting a student-led, garden-based educational program at the school.
2007
Global Gardens is established as a nonprofit organization under the auspices of the Tulsa Community Foundation. Heather works with a group of students to create the Eugene Field gardens after school. A during-school program is added in the fall.
2008
Dr. Cathy Burden, Superintendent of Union Public Schools, facilitates expansion of Global Gardens’ during- and after-school programs to Rosa Parks Elementary.
2009
Global Gardens is designated a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the IRS.
2010
Alumni from Global Gardens’ after-school program at Rosa Parks spearhead the creation of a Global Gardens middle-school program, which finds a home at Asbury Corner (66th and Mingo) in 2011.
2012
At Rosa Parks, Global Gardens establishes a family food farm with a grant from Tulsa Area United Way.
2015
Global Gardens becomes a full partner agency of Tulsa Area United Way.
2017
Global Gardens begins offering STEM-focused summer camps in partnership with the Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance.
2018
Global Gardens expands to Unity Learning Academy, through a partnership with Darby Equipment Company and the Darby family.
2019
Global Gardens establishes a small-scale program model and begins disseminating it through the Global Gardens Alliance initiative.
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Gardens delivers programming to a record number of students across Tulsa, through educational videos, virtual program meetings, home-based lessons, and produce and gardens delivered to hundreds of families.
2021
Global Gardens begins partnering with Tulsa Public Schools and the Opportunity Project to provide summer enrichment programming to thousands of students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023
With support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of OK, Global Gardens publishes its first cookbook, including more than 50 healthy, kid-tested recipes and tips for involving family members of all ages in the kitchen.