A River Runs Through It: Ecology in Action

Carmel Middle School, Carmel CA

We are stewards of the earth.” That’s what we want the kids to walk away with—every decision they make and everything they do add up to behavioral and life changes in the world.” John Muir

Ecoliteracy in Action: Carmel's Organic Garden


Fueled by Muir’s philosophy, Carmel's School Garden Program is nested within a multifaceted environmental education and eco-literacy program. The organic garden sits on an acre of land next to Carmel River and is a combination of raised beds, in-ground beds, a bee and butterfly garden, pond and solar-powered greenhouse.

Carmel’s Garden Curriculum


Carmel’s garden science curriculum reflects their philosophy of inter-connectivity. Students experience in a powerful way how their actions make a tangible difference in the world around them.

Sustaining the Program


Carmel Middle School is unique in the support the program receives. They are fortunate enough to have a paid Garden Coordinator as well as a dedicated Development Director.