The Educational Garden – 2017 through 2026

Growing Minds, Building Bridges

In 2017, founder Jeanee Smiles envisioned the “Next Generation STEM Education Garden” as a place where generations could grow and learn together. Her vision was to connect the wisdom, experience, and compassion of retired senior citizens with K–12 students—especially special education students and children in rural communities. 

Today, through hands-on indoor and outdoor learning, senior volunteers serve as mentors and instructors—sharing practical skills, STEM knowledge, patience, and valuable life experience. Programs explore water conservation, alternative energy, soil and land management, food production, sustainability, life sciences, and more.

Our educational partners include Waxahachie Independent School District, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Indian Trail Master Naturalists, Trinity River Water District, the Audubon Society, and Ellis County Rural Heritage Farm.

Through classroom activities and field trips we are enriching the lives of students and senior volunteers throughout Ellis County.

Still Going Strong

2026 Garden 101 – Graduates