Community GardenSteering Committee

Meeting

Welcome!May 8, 2013

Why?

“The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.”

- Abraham Lincoln

Why? “The first supermarket supposedly appeared on

the American landscape in 1946. That is not very long ago. Until then, where was all the food? Dear folks, the food was in homes, gardens, local fields, and forests. It was near kitchens, near tables, near bedsides. It was in the pantry, the cellar, the backyard.”

― Joel Salatin, Folks, This Ain't Normal: A Farmer's Advice for Happier Hens, Healthier People,

and a Better World

Agenda

Agenda Introductions Presentations

Sportsman Memorial Community Garden Salvation Army Garden Update

Action Groups Action Items/Next Steps Schedule Next Meeting

Introductions Name? What kind of work do you do? What is your interest and experience

with community gardens? What is the single biggest reason you

are interested in community gardens?

Presentations

What Are the Benefits?

Municipal Revenue

Pocket Parks Exercise Improved

Diets Food

Production

Urban Ecosystem Education Cultural

Opportunities Horticultural

Therapy Crime Reduction Community

Cool T-Shirts

What If We Don’t?

Action Groups

Action Groups

List of Possible Groups School Gardens Salvation Army Garden Site-Specific Garden Senior Garden Food Desert Garden Toolbox

Choose Meet

Action Groups

First Steps - 1 of 4

Organize a meeting of interested people and Stakeholders

Choose a well-organized garden coordinator

Form committees to accomplish tasks: Funding & Resource Development; Youth Activities; Construction; Communication

First Steps - 2 of 4

Determine if there really is a need and desire for a garden

What kind of garden--vegetable, flower, trees, a combination?

Who will the garden serve--youth, seniors, special populations, people who just want an alternative to trash?

What Type of Garden?

Sponsored Fee-based Combination

Approach a Sponsor

Contributions of land, tools, seeds, fencing, soil improvements or money are all vital to a successful community garden. Churches, schools, citizens groups, private businesses, local parks and recreation departments are all potential supporters. Community Development Block Grants are sometimes available

First Steps - 3 of 4

Make a list of what needs to be done

Find a garden site Obtain lease or agreement Establish mailing address

telephone number(s)

First Steps - 4 of 4

Set and monitor community garden budget, keep administration in the hands of several people

Choose a name for the garden GO! GROW!!!

Community GardenSteering Committee

Meeting

Thank you for participating!

May 8, 2013