Objective(s):
The objective of this workshop is to identify and explore the various areas of teaching and research within Urban Horticulture, as well as to identify tools for developing a course to offer within the curriculum.

In the wake of urbanization and technological advances, public green spaces within cities are disappearing and people are spending more time with electronic devices than with nature. This workshop will explore the importance of horticulture to the lives, health, and well-being of urban populations. Topics will be explored through presentations from contributors to a new textbook, Urban Horticulture.  These experts in research and practice from across the United States will discuss the history, importance, and benefits of selected topics in urban horticulture. The workshop and book examine types of public and private communities as well as state and federal programs to promote urban horticulture, including their history, management and administration, programming, evaluation, funding, and the benefits they provide to individuals and communities. It also reviews past and current research on school, community, public, and prison gardens. The use of the book as a resource to develop and integrate an Urban Horticulture course into the curriculum and/or as an interdisciplinary option will be discussed.