2016 - A Vision Takes Root
The story of Rooted in Wyoming begins with a simple but powerful idea: that gardens can be classrooms, and food can connect communities.
While participating in the Leadership Wyoming program, Bonnie Gregory began to envision an organization that would bring hands-on garden education and local food experiences to students across Wyoming. A fifth-generation Wyomingite, Bonnie drew inspiration from her deep roots in the community and her family’s traditions of self-sufficiency, seeing gardens as spaces where people of all ages could learn to grow, prepare, and appreciate fresh food.
In 2016, that vision became a reality. Drawing from her experiences as both a mother and project manager, Bonnie brought together a passionate group of teachers, parents, community members, and early board members to found Rooted in Wyoming.
Together, they built partnerships with schools and local organizations to create gardens that serve as both educational and nutritional resources. What started as an idea has grown into a program that continues to strengthen community connections, support local food systems, and inspire future generations.
Take a look at the original articles of incorporation here!
Founding Board of Directors
Pictured here is the majority of Rooted in Wyoming’s founding Board of Directors, gathered at Landon’s Greenhouse alongside Founder and Executive Director Bonnie Gregory in 2016.
Back row: Pam Standish, Kelly Hahn, Heather Redenbaugh, Ami Erickson
Middle row: Beth Music, Mandy Morris, Bonnie Gregory, Donna Johannesmeyer
Front row: Sarah Mentock, Donald Legerski
Additional founding board members not pictured include Missi Hubert and Kim Ryan.
First Garden Build - Bighorn Ram Harvest Garden
Founding board members Sarah Mentock, Ami Erickson, Kelly Hahn, & Pam Standish with Bonnie’s mom, Nancy Mickelson, working to build the gates for Rooted in Wyoming’s first partner garden, Big Horn Schools’ Ram Harvest Garden.
2017 - Building the Foundation
With Bonnie Gregory serving as Executive Director, Rooted in Wyoming spent its first three years operating under the nonprofit sponsorship of the Wyoming Community Foundation.
During these early years, the organization was driven by a passionate group of parents and educators working together to bring school gardens to life. Initial garden sites included Big Horn School, Holy Name Catholic School, Woodland Park Elementary, and the Tongue River Valley Community Center—laying the groundwork for Rooted’s lasting impact in the community.
In 2017, Rooted also established a lasting partnership with the University of Wyoming Sheridan Research and Extension Center. Through the generous collaboration of UW staff, Rooted volunteers brought after-school groups and homeschool students to the ShREC greenhouse, where they helped start seedlings that would later be planted in school gardens—connecting students to the growing process from seed to harvest.
First Seed Starting Class
UW Assistant Research Scientist Beth Fowers works with the first group of “Seed Starting” students from Woodland Park Elementary in spring of 2017.
2018
It started with a dream…
Parents, educators and community members came together to make it a reality!
Above: The Board of Directors at the 2018 Hoe Down - Mary McDougall, Donna Johannesmeyer, Missi Hubert, Bonnie Gregory, Samantha Heide, Mandy Morris, Ami Erickson, Pam Standish, Kelly Hahn, and Keri Guimond.
In 2019, Rooted gained independent status as a 501(c)3 non-profit. Lise Foy was hired as the Executive Director in 2020, and served in the role for two years. Jodi Kenney served Rooted from 2021 to 2023 as Project and Outreach Coordinator. During this time Rooted’s projects, programs, and impacts continued to expand.
Jodi Kenney pictured here with VA Residential Therapist Linnae Taylor (left), and Erin Kinsey (right) from Landon’s Greenhouse during a gardening class for veterans at the Sheridan VA Medical Center.
Left to right below: Ellie Martin with Evie, Jodi Kenney, Lacie Schwend, and Lise Foy at the revitalized Eagle’s Nest Garden in 2021.
Whether called a hoedown, farm-to-table dinner, or food festival, Rooted in Wyoming’s harvest party fundraiser has become a much loved annual event. Rooted continues to support the development of local gardens, as well as educational programs like summer camps, and the culinary collaborations between school groups and local chefs. None of these achievements would have been possible without the generous financial support of the many businesses, charitable foundations, and private individuals who continue to help Rooted in Wyoming make a positive impact on our community.
More than 50 individuals have volunteered over 9 years of service to Rooted in Wyoming’s Board of Directors. Follow this link for an up-to-date list of current and former Board Members.
