Need a break from the Iowa Arts Festival crowds and buzz? Just a short stroll from downtown, the Edible Classroom is a lush, inviting space where art and nature intertwine. Perfect for relaxing, getting inspired, and connecting with the beauty of a thriving food forest.
This FREE event is all about hands-on creativity, mindfulness, and community. Whether you want to paint, garden, explore, or simply enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by greenery, there’s something for everyone.
What’s Happening:
* Guided Garden Tour: Stroll through raised beds and a food forest with a Nature Educator. Learn about organic gardening, companion planting, and food forestry—while tasting fresh veggies, herbs, and fruits straight from the garden.
* Rock Painting Party: Pick a stone and make it your own. Paint a keepsake to remember the festival or craft a plant marker for your garden.
* Nature Art: Create art from natural materials and leave it for others to enjoy. Let the landscape be your canvas.
* Gardening Guides: Take home easy-to-follow publications to start or improve your own garden.
* Tasty Bites: Enjoy free, nourishing snacks, courtesy of New Pioneer Food Co-op.
Come as you are—curious, creative, or simply in need of a little green space to breathe. We’d love to see you there!
This event is part of our Nature Escapes series—fun, drop-in experiences held year-round in the public gardens we manage.
LOCATION
We meet at the Edible Classroom on the south side of the Robert A. Lee Community Center, 220 South Gilbert Street, Iowa City.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
This event was developed in collaboration with many community partners. It would not be possible without these sponsors and supporters. Please frequent these generous organizations to thank them for donations of time, materials and funds.
* Hills Bank
* Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department
* 100 Grannies
* Master Gardeners of Johnson County
* New Pioneer Food Co-op
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