Community Garden Steering Committee Formation Meeting March 27, 2013

Why? “The single greatest lesson the garden teaches is that our relationship to the planet need not be zero-sum, and that as long as the sun still shines and people still can plan and plant, think and do, we can, if we bother to try, find ways to provide for ourselves without diminishing the world. ” Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals Michael PollanThe Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

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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?

Multiple Benefits  Municipal Costs  “Pocket Parks”  Exercise  Improved Diets  Food Production  Urban Ecosystem  Youth Education  Cultural Opportunities  Horticultural Therapy  Crime Prevention

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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!!!

Meeting Agenda  Jon Wardlaw -Conservation District of Southern Nevada  Ciara Byrne – School District Gardens  Brian Villenga – Gardens that Work  Assess Interest  Next Steps

Community Garden Steering Committee Formation Meeting Thank you for participating! March 27, 2013