Apple Seed integrates science learning with math, reading, writing, cultural history, geography, and artistic expression. The program emphasizes critical thinking and the power of observation. Students learn to observe, question, and actively improve their environment.

Apple Seed lessons are positive learning experiences. Students are taught to ask questions, to find answers, and then to ask new questions. They are shown that learning is not simply finding a "right" answer, but is a process that considers many possibilities, a type of learning experience that improves self-esteem and generates curiosity in students who may have not had success with conventional teaching styles. Apple Seed makes learning dynamic, creative, interesting, and just plain fun.

Field trips to the GreenBranches library gardens connect inner-city youth to the natural world surrounding them as they investigate and learn about the gardens and green space in their neighborhoods.

Read & Seed is the summer school component of Apple Seed. Participants use local library resources and the GreenBranches library garden to explore the ecology of an urban garden. The curriculum includes a hands-on garden activity, an art project, and reading a book, all based on weekly ecology topics. The students help maintain the library gardens, conduct experiments, compose nature songs, grow plants from seed, read and write poetry, and research information using library resources. All these activities are designed to improve literacy. Read & Seed also incorporates a library staff training component based on team teaching.

This program is made possible through the generous support of our supporters, which include Robert Bowne Foundation, J.P. Morgan Chase, City Gardens Club, Consolidated Edison, Commonwealth Fund, Cowles Charitable Trust, Dorr Foundation, EPA, GE Foundation, Greentree Foundation, Lehman Brothers, New York Community Trust, Norinchukin Foundation, and The After School Corporation (TASC), as well as individual donors.