Loveland Youth Gardeners was started in 1996 as a pilot intervention program (Loveland Youth Garden Project) to serve Loveland area youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. The Thompson School District, City of Loveland Department of Solid Waste, and the Larimer County Master Gardener Program of CSU Cooperative Extension provided assistance to begin the first youth gardening program in May 1996. Over the last twelve years, the organization has grown to include three Youth Education Programs and several Community Outreach Services. The organization received 501 c 3 status in 2000.