Dr. Norman Lownds

This year’s seminar features Dr. Norm Lownds, associate professor at Michigan State University and curator of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Garden.

Dr. Lownds holds BS, MS and PhD degrees in Horticulture from Michigan State University.  For the past 25 years he has been working with teachers, students and school gardens, first in the desert climate of southern New Mexico and for the past 15 years at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens.

“Dr. Norm,” as he is known to elementary school students, is most interested in promoting curiosity and wonder in children of all ages.  Nothing thrills him more than students asking questions and wondering about everything.  “Dr. Norm” has worked to elegantly integrate technology into the 4-H Children’s Garden and has helped create numerous interactive computer explorations.

“Dr. Norm’s” recent work has focused on new learning programs – Seeds of Science, where students visit the 4-H Children’s Gardens for multiple field trips and are actively involved in authentic science experiments.  He is also working to promote the on-line Wonder Wall where students and teachers can stay in contact with “Dr. Norm” before and long after they have visited the 4-H Children’s Gardens.

In 2010, Lownds helped create the Jr. Plant Scientist program in conjunction with the United States Botanic Garden and the American Horticultural Society.  Dr. Lownds loves to work with teachers and students and reminds everyone to “always ask questions about everything!"

Dr. Lownds is the 2007 recipient of the American Horticultural Societies JL Taylor award for inspiring and nurturing future horticulturists through efforts in children’s and youth gardens.

He is the national chair of the Children and Youth Gardening Panel of the American Horticultural Society. He is also the co-creator of the National Children, Youth & Gardens Network in conjunction with the American Horticultural Society.

Dr. Lownds is also the 2012 recipient of an Honorary American FFA Degree.  The Honorary FFA degree recognizes those who have gone beyond daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students.