Parker Learning Gardens Wish List

Why We Have a Wish List

Parker Learning Gardens (PLG) is a nonprofit educational farm built largely through community support, creativity, and shared resources. Many of the tools, materials, and supplies we rely on don’t require cash funding—they already exist in garages, workshops, barns, businesses, and backyards throughout our community.

Our Wish List allows supporters to make meaningful, tangible contributions that directly support our farm operations, educational programming, and long-term sustainability. In-kind donations help us stretch grant funding further, reduce overhead, and model reuse, repair, and resource sharing—values we actively teach to the youth and families we serve.

We gratefully provide official donation receipts for all in-kind contributions in accordance with nonprofit guidelines.

How to Donate Items

Before dropping off or arranging a pickup, please text us (preferred) at 541-579-8788 or email us with details about your potential donation and include:

• A brief description of the item(s)

• Quantity and approximate size

• Photos (if helpful)

• Whether you can drop off or need pickup assistance

Drop-offs are preferred, but we’re happy to coordinate pickup for larger or higher-impact items when needed.

General Farm Operations

These items support the day-to-day functioning of our 33-acre learning farm and allow us to maintain safe, functional spaces for education, food production, and habitat restoration.

• Firewood
  Supports outdoor classrooms, seasonal gatherings, cooking, and warmth during cold-weather programs.

• Dimensional Lumber (new or reclaimed)
  Used for building benches, signage, storage, fencing, raised beds, and educational structures.

• Metal Roofing
  Helps weatherproof sheds, learning spaces, and storage areas.

• Jars & clean, new lids

  For canning sauces, pickles and preserves

• Stock Pots (large)
  Used for projects (natural dye making), value-added products for the Farm Stand, classes, events, and food-based learning.

• Cast Iron Pans & Dutch Ovens
  Essential for outdoor and fire-based demonstrations and community meals.

• Incubator
  Supports poultry education, life-cycle learning, and animal stewardship programs.

• Alaskan Mill for Chainsaw
  Allows us to mill on-site trees into usable lumber, modeling local material use and waste reduction.

• Farm Truck
  Increases our ability to transport materials, animals, produce, and program supplies safely.

• Gravel
  Improves accessibility, drainage, and safety in high-traffic learning areas.

• Mulch
  Supports soil health, weed suppression, water retention, and safe play areas.

• Potting Soil
  Used for seed starts, plant propagation, and student planting activities.

• Cement Mixer (for soil mixing in greenhouse)
  Helps us efficiently create consistent soil blends for large-scale planting and teaching.

• Chalk Line Maker & Large Bag of Lime
  Used for temporary parking layouts and event organization without permanent markings.

• Live Traps (humane)
  Supports responsible trap-and-release for feral cats and other animals in coordination with spay/neuter programs.

• Seeds (flowers, annuals, perennials, native plants)
  Core to our educational mission—used for student planting, pollinator habitat, and food access.

• Plants (especially native plants)
  Support restoration, biodiversity, and hands-on ecological learning.

• 3-Gallon or Larger Planting Pots
  Needed for tree starts, perennials, and student-grown plants.

Conservation Projects

• Pond liner
  Needed for frog bog to retain water

• Solar lights

  Needed for frog bog to attract bogs

• Native grasses and aquatic plants

  Needed for frog bog cover from predators

• Native plants and flowers

  For native pollinator habitat

Solar & Energy Infrastructure

Renewable energy is a cornerstone of PLG’s long-term sustainability goals and educational programming. Solar systems help us model climate-positive solutions while reducing operating costs.

• Solar Panels (new or used)
  Power lights, refrigeration, tools, and educational infrastructure.

• Inverters
  Convert solar energy into usable electricity for farm operations.

• Charge Controllers
  Protect batteries and improve system efficiency.

• Battery Storage (LiFePO₄ or deep-cycle)
  Enables energy use during evenings, events, and outages.

• Racking & Mounting Hardware
  Supports safe, permanent or semi-permanent panel installation.

• Wiring, Breakers, Combiner Boxes, Disconnects
  Essential components for safe, code-compliant systems.

• Energy-Efficient Appliances (refrigerators, freezers)
  Reduce energy draw while supporting food storage and safety.

Educational & Student Supplies

These items directly enhance accessibility, sensory support, and hands-on learning for children of all ages and abilities.

• Mortar & pestles (5 preferred)

  For cooking and preparing natural pigments

• Magnifying Glasses (20x preferred)
  Encourage observation, curiosity, and scientific inquiry.

• Wood Cutting Boards
  Used for food prep, carving, nature crafts, and tool safety lessons.

• Garden Carts for Young Children
  Help toddlers and sensory-sensitive students navigate uneven terrain independently.

• Toddler Steps / Platforms
  Support safe access to compost systems, animal areas, and sinks.

• Compost Thermometers (long + small)
  Enable students to monitor decomposition and soil health.

• Compost Turners
  Support hands-on compost education and system maintenance.

• Take-Home Bokashi Compost Kits
  Extend learning into homes and support food-waste reduction.

• Mid-Size, Heavy-Duty Shovels
  Sized appropriately for older children and teens doing real work.

• Benches & Seating for Art Tables
  Create welcoming, accessible spaces for creativity and collaboration.

Additional Helpful Items

• Wheelbarrows & garden wagons (especially for our youngest students)

• Rain barrels or water tanks

• Lockable outdoor storage cabinets

• Whiteboards or outdoor chalkboards

• First-aid supplies (new, sealed)

• Headlamps and rechargeable lanterns

• Hand tools (pruners, loppers, trowels)

• Outdoor tarps and shade structures

• Tables for outdoor classes and events

Donation Receipts & Tax Information

Parker Learning Gardens is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are happy to provide official donation receipts for all in-kind contributions. While donors determine the value of donated goods for tax purposes, we document item descriptions and receipt dates.

Thank You

Every item on this list represents learning, access, and possibility. Whether it’s a shovel, a solar panel, or a box of seeds, your contribution helps children, families, and educators connect more deeply with land, food, and community.

Thank you for growing with us!