MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department is introducing a new community-focused initiative designed to bring sustainable landscaping and native food production directly into residential yards near Patterson Park.

According to a media release, the department is launching The Participating Neighbors Program, a new component of its summer 2026 Youth LED Program, which engages local high school students in hands-on green career experiences.

The program invites eligible residents in the Patterson Park area to apply to become a design site for Youth LED students, who will work to create sustainable, ecologically beneficial foodscapes and landscapes that support native plant species and wildlife.

Expanding Youth LED Beyond the Park

The Youth LED Program has focused on environmental stewardship and green workforce development. Now, the initiative is extending its impact into surrounding neighborhoods.

As outlined in the release the goal is to give students real-world experience designing and implementing diverse, sustainable food-based landscapes that enhance biodiversity and neighborhood aesthetics.

The flyer accompanying the announcement emphasizes that “native landscaping can cool the neighborhood, feed local pollinators, and improve everyone’s quality of life.

Who Is Eligible?

Residents interested in participating must:

• Live in the designated area near Patterson Park Community Center

• Have outdoor space available on their property

• Own the property or obtain written permission from the property owner before tree planting can occur

What Participants Receive

Selected households will receive several benefits at no cost, including:

• A customized landscape design plan incorporating native plants and food elements

• One (or two, if needed for pollination) free fruit or nut tree from an approved list

• One or two gator bags for tree watering

• An individualized tree guild planting plan

• Two expert-led classes hosted at Patterson Park covering topics such as pruning, harvesting, tree guild design, and cooking or preserving native food plants

The initiative aims to not only beautify yards but also promote long-term environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Applications Now Open

Residents can learn more by contacting Caitlin May at cmay@murfreesborotn.gov or Lynn Caldwell at lcaldwell@murfreesborotn.gov. Additional details are available through Outdoor Murfreesboro’s webpage.

Outdoor Murfreesboro is also accepting applications for students interested in participating in the 2026 Youth LED Program. Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation states its mission is to provide vibrant public spaces and inclusive programs that strengthen community quality of life through visionary leadership and caring staff.

With the Participating Neighbors Program, that mission now extends from Patterson Park into the surrounding neighborhood — one sustainable yard at a time.