Building Community through Community Gardening By Dave Wolken and Debra Schneider UW Extension SE WI Master Gardeners
Why Start a Community Garden? Good healthy food for all Local sustainable food Education/Mentoring Demonstration Build community Have Fun!!!
What we will talk about... Importance of planning Purpose and design What else to consider Sustaining the garden What we won t t talk about How to garden
Planning Build a team Core group Coordinator (s) Define the purpose of the garden Determine the needs of those who will benefit from the garden Design a garden that fits purpose and need
Learning through Example...
Community Garden Example Non-Profit Supported Provide healthy food to community members who use a food pantry or meal program Sponsored by a non-profit organization or church on donated property Collective gardening & gardening style Seeds & transplants provided by volunteers Collaboration with pantry/program director Crops - what people will take and eat Delivery and storage considerations
Community Garden Example Non-Profit Supported [Cont.] Provide healthy food to community members who use a food pantry or meal program Recipes provided for encouragement Cleaned and packaged Incentive for recipients to work in the garden Constant feedback to sponsor community Financial support - plant sale / local business donations / individual donations
Community Garden Example Youth Emphasis Educate young people on healthy eating and growing local organic food Sponsored by local food market and non profit organization at community farm Fun appeal! Pizza Garden! Outdoor pizza oven, swings, butterfly garden Specific food list Organic designation Farm supplies seeds and transplants
Community Garden Example Youth Emphasis [cont.] Educate young people on healthy eating and growing local organic food Education in participation adopt a slice School & youth group tours & events Cooking & food preparation instruction Focal point when entering property Community involvement at a variety of levels
Community Garden Example Rental Plot To make local, sustainable organic food available for ALL people Sponsored by local environmental group on city property A community garden in every park Began with 1 person, adopted by org Church property to city property Community members rent a 10x10 plot Gardeners chose how to garden - organic
Community Garden Example Rental Plot [cont.] To make local, sustainable organic food available for ALL people Gardeners provide plants & seeds Formal set of rules and guidelines Core team oversight Gardeners invited to workdays Monthly speakers informal education
Garden Considerations... Soil Sunlight Water availability Expansion space Property history and restrictions
More Garden Considerations... Animals Weeds and composting Tools and storage Structures Accessibility
Financial Considerations Define a budget Source supplies Raise funds Raise support Non-profit status? Partnering with others
Sustaining the Garden Importance of Volunteers Maintain a constant flow of volunteers Ensure all are involved Set work schedules Be flexible Be thankful & build community Have Fun!!! Many Hands Make Light Work
Sustaining the Garden Community Outreach Communicate progress -sponsors, volunteers, donors, community Document mission and success Involve the larger community - events, speakers, education Utilize local media
Sustaining the Garden Looking to the Future Evaluate Communicate success Maintain partner relations Plan for adjustment How will we sustain the garden into the future?
Building Community through Gardening... When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect. - Aldo Leopold