The REAL School Garden Experience: Building Sustainable School Gardens through Sustainable Communities

May the end of this journey open the door to new opportunities; I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the members of my advisory committee, Dr. Jonathan Ulmer, Dr. Jennifer Williams, Dr. Landry Lockett, and Dr. Scott Burris. I can only imagine the extra time and commitment it takes to work with distance students. Dr. Ulmer, I hope I will be remembered as your first distance headache! It was a learning process for both of us, but I would not have it any other way. You are a great mentor and excellent tour guide. Dr. Burris, I cannot tell you what a difference your statistics class did for my understanding and comprehension of statistics! I was so lost before your class, thank you a million times over for giving me the opportunity to learn through your leadership. Dr. Williams, thank you for the honest feedback and for taking a leadership role when my committee fell apart. Dr. Lockett, I truly appreciate your positive outlook on everything and willingness to step in when needed. On more than one occasion you have made my day with a simple phone call or response to an e-mail. We had to overcome numerous obstacles to finalize this body of work, but please know I will never forget the support all of you have shown me.

I would also like to thank Dr. Judy Warren, Dr. Laura Sanagorski, and Dr. Amber Dankert for taking time out of their busy day to look over tables and help in the editing process. I appreciate your friendship and willingness to help me see this through.

A special thanks also to the staff of REAL School Gardens for supporting my work and being willing to offer insight on school gardening.