Who We Are
What began in 2011 as a simple idea — enrich classroom learning through hands-on gardening activities — has grown exponentially and reaped a harvest beyond imagination.
Today, Ground Works Connect has an expansive vision focused on building agricultural literacy and informed, engaged citizenship within each student participating in our programs.
Our Mission
With an integrated approach, Ground Works Connect incorporates interactive computer activities, youth summer camps, and teaching gardens to deliver hands-on lessons in STEAM education, agricultural literacy and student leadership.
Admin Staff
Cindy H. Coates
Executive Director
Ginger McNickle
Horticulture Specialist
Stacia Even
Executive Assistant
Board of Directors
Cory Hughes
First PREMIER Bank
President
Walt Bones
Hexad Farms
Former SD Secretary of Agriculture
Jessica Lillebo
Lutheran Social Services
Bob VanKirk
Wesley United Methodist Church
Melisa Farke
Agriculture and Rural Industry Writer and Storyteller
Heather Hofer
Brady Martz
Heather Goodface-Ferguson
Indian Education Liaison
Katrina Lien
Sanford fit- Children's Health and Fitness Initiative
Alla Kureninova
Natural Beauty
David Skaggs
AgroVive Biologicals
Steve Sikorski
Former Minnehaha Master Gardeners
Dan Larsen
City of Sioux Falls