The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation marked its fifth year of collaboration with the National Head Start Association (NHSA) in supporting Head Start and Early Head Start programs across the U.S. through GroMoreGood Garden Grants and gardening resources. NHSA works with local grant recipients to create opportunities that promote healthier lifestyles and empowerment for children and families through comprehensive support initiatives.

As part of this ongoing partnership, participating Head Start and Early Head Start programs gain access to educational gardening materials, including seasonal garden storytime webinars. Additionally, the Foundation provides GroMoreGood Garden Grants to enhance existing gardens, establish new ones, or develop outdoor green spaces for these programs nationwide. These grants promote hands-on learning, spark curiosity, and offer children and their families the advantages of green spaces and nutritious food access.

Key accomplishments over the past five years include:

Click here to know more about ScottsMiracleGro's commitment to corporate responsibility.

Our ThinkWaterPositive initiative, launched in 2023, tackles critical challenges related to water availability and quality. This program empowers consumers to conserve and safeguard water resources while cultivating and enjoying sustainable landscapes that align with environmental goals. It underscores our enduring dedication to water stewardship through innovative products, community partnerships, and educational outreach.

Key Components of ThinkWaterPositive:
1. Research and Development:
We continuously refine and advance products that reduce water usage and minimize environmental impact. These include water-maximizing treatments, moisture control solutions, drought-resistant ground covers, and precision applicators to prevent fertilizer overuse. Efforts also include introducing slow-release nitrogen, eliminating phosphorus to curb algal blooms, and exploring drought-tolerant alternatives like clover lawns.

2. Partnerships with Environmental Nonprofits:
Collaborating with the National Partner Network, which reaches over 150 million people, we support environmental organizations to promote water stewardship at both national and community levels. For instance, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation partnered with the Alliance for Water Efficiency to develop the Home Water Works Calculator, offering tailored strategies for improving household water efficiency.

3. Consumer Education:
We educate homeowners on the importance of water-wise landscaping, maximizing green space benefits with less water, and rethinking yard designs to prioritize sustainability. The Scotts Training Institute plays a key role, equipping retailers and associates with expertise on reducing water impacts, which they share with their communities. Additionally, our scientists and horticulturists provide localized water-saving tips through our corporate and brand platforms.

Click here to know more about ScottsMiracleGro's commitment to corporate responsibility.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, in collaboration with the National Head Start Association (NHSA), is excited to announce the upcoming Fall Storytime event. The 2024 Fall Garden Storytime will be held live on November 14 at 1 p.m. EST. This 30-minute session, co-hosted by KidsGardening—another partner of the SMG Foundation—will feature:
 

 
During the event, Sarah Pounders and Pinky Jackalope will share garden-themed stories with a social-emotional focus, along with a show-and-tell segment featuring fascinating plants. The session promises to be engaging for both students and teachers. With a fall theme, it will offer insights into the various sizes and shapes of pumpkins and explore how pumpkins can be transformed into delicious treats.
 
Registration for the storytime is open to all, providing an interactive experience, gardening tips, and classroom resources aligned with the seasonal school year calendar.
 
“We’re thrilled to spotlight these seasonal storytimes alongside our NHSA GroMoreGood Garden grants,” said Katherine Dickens, Director of ESG and Social Impact. “This educational and fun opportunity is available to Head Start families and anyone else who wishes to join. We encourage you to share this resource with friends and family.”
 
Click here to know more about the Fall Garden Storytime in addition to the full 2024-2025 Storytime schedule.

September is a month of transition, bringing the close of summer and the return to school, along with various fresh beginnings. It's also the time for one of the most anticipated pollinator events—the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz—organized by the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) in collaboration with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.
 
During the BioBlitz, participants are invited to photograph the plants, insects, and animals they encounter in parks and submit their findings via the iNaturalist app, which helps identify and log these observations. This data aids park agencies in managing and preserving the diverse species and habitats within their local parks.
 
Earlier this summer, ScottsMiracle-Gro demonstrated its commitment to supporting pollinators by opening an apiary at its Marysville campus. This initiative aligns with their ongoing support of the sixth annual Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz.
 
“We encourage community members and park visitors nationwide to join the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz to make a collective, positive impact on pollinators,” said Brian Herrington, president of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation.
 
As we move through September’s seasonal changes, discover more about the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz and how you can get involved in supporting this important cause.