Wilton’s Free Green Teens Gardening Program Marks 10 Years of Youth Service

WILTON, CT — A free summer youth gardening program that combines environmental education and community service is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The Green Teens program, a joint initiative of the Wilton Garden Club and Trackside Teen Center, began its summer session on Monday, June 23. Open to all rising middle and high school students, the group meets Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m. through Aug. 11. Enrollment is ongoing, and no prior gardening experience is required.

Led by Wilton Garden Club members and certified Master Gardeners, with additional support from local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the program focuses on hands-on learning in garden design, planting, harvesting and food preparation. Participants also create garden-themed art and hear from guest speakers on gardening-related topics.

Produce and flowers grown by the teens are donated to the Wilton Food Pantry and Wilton Senior Center. In 2024, the group contributed 232 pounds of organic produce and 100 floral arrangements.

“Our hope with Green Teens is to get more young people involved with creating and maintaining vegetable gardens, to teach them about the importance of healthy foods, and to give back to the community,” said Laurie Musilli, co-chair of the Wilton Garden Club’s youth gardening committee. “There’s something in this program for everyone.”

Fellow co-chair and UConn Master Gardener Pam Nobumoto said the program also emphasizes sustainability and teamwork. “It’s magical for them to watch their hard work bloom and make a difference one garden bed at a time,” she said.

Green Teens recently received a Presidential Citation from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut for its innovative programming.

More information and registration details are available at the Trackside Teen Center website.