🥬 Why Enroll in the Garden Manager Course?

Join the first cohort of garden leaders across LA County who are turning values into action. This free, 4-week course helps you learn the volunteer management skills needed to lead a community garden--while earning a certificate from the Los Angeles Community Garden Council (LACGC).

The course is exclusively available to LACGC garden members interested in volunteer leadership in Los Angeles County. Whether you’re a new gardener member, recently elected, or a longtime garden manager, this online course is for you. It's made possible with support from Partnership for Growth LA and the Water Foundation.

🌱 What You'll Gain

✅ Practical tools to organize tasks and lead with confidence
💬 Weekly reading and discussions to learn and reflect
🫱🏾‍🫲🏼 Connect with LA’s garden leaders in live, virtual sessions
💚 Strategies to build trust and transparent decision-making 
⭐ A certificate to recognize your commitment and support future opportunities
💲 A $100 stipend for attending virtual classes and completing course materials

🗓️ When is the Course?

You will select whether to attend virtual classes on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m. or Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m.

Session 1:  Optional Tech Set-Up  10/14 or 10/16

Session 2:  Virtual Class  10/21 or 10/23

Session 3:  Optional Office Hours  10/28 or 10/30

Session 4:  Virtual Class  11/4 or 11/6

🧩 Who is the Facilitator? 

Sean Gustafson is a dedicated community gardener who combines his hands-on gardening skills with 20 years of training experience. He is excited to help volunteer garden managers feel supported and inspired. 

For over four years, Sean has been a member and manager at East Hollywood Community Garden. He has also taught vegetable gardening classes as a Los Angeles County Master Gardener. As a learning and development professional, Sean focuses on creating practical training with adults and youth.

His background includes work in television production, community service, project management, teaching, and coaching—ranging from teacher leadership development to designing national programs that promote healthier schools.