F I V E R I V E R S M E T R O P A R K S The purpose of Five Rivers MetroParks is to protect natural areas, parks and river corridors, and to promote the conservation and use of these lands and waterways for the ongoing benefit of the people in the region.

Community Gardens: Growing a Conservation-Minded Community Land Re-use: Successes & Challenges

Five Rivers MetroParks Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission is to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

Five Rivers MetroParks Park District Political subdivision of the State of Ohio Funding: Montgomery County property tax levy 19 facilities 15,000 acres 330 miles of recreation trails

Why MetroParks & Community Gardens? Fit Mission, Vision & Purpose Strengthen connections between people & nature Foster healthy & active lifestyles Build fellowship Promote conservation, increase biodiversity Food Security Improve access to nutritious food Cut grocery bills Build community, meet neighbors Increase neighborhood involvement Build leadership A response to local needs Fit needs and desires of neighborhood: i.e. allotment, youth plots, fruit trees, herb gardens, raised beds

Food Justice/Food Access Chain Grocery Small Grocer Health Food School Community Garden

Montgomery Co Health 2011 National County Health Rankings Out of 88 counties, Montgomery Co: 68th for health outcomes 45th for health factors Ranks low in many health behaviors and social and economic factors

Support to just over 60 area CGs Consultation with new groups Assistance with organization Heavy metals soil test for proposed site Assistance with site preparation Educational materials & workshops Occasional workshops Assistance recruiting volunteers Ongoing assistance as needed MetroParks Provides

Become a mentor Master Gardener “hotline” Teach one-time programs Offer a series of programs Assist gardeners Consult with community gardeners Work with planning groups Donate time, tools or money Get Involved

City Beets 2012

Mentoring

Classes & Programs – check

General Needs for Veggies & Fruit Full Sun (6+ hrs/day) (part shade: lettuces, greens, pawpaw, gooseberries, currants) Well-drained soil (at least 8” deep) Good air circulation Not too steep a slope Access to Water Accessible to YOU – and feels safe Try to avoid planting in low-lying “frost pockets” Avoid tree lawns & areas close to sidewalk Maintain well rather than plant too much & maintain poorly

Healthy Practices Build your Soil Biodiversity & Diversity Variety Selection – Look for Resistance & Tolerance Organic, slow release fertilizers – pests follow the nitrogen! Crop Rotation & Beneficials around the orchard Reduce tillage & mowing Maintain “permanent” ground covers Mulch

“Lasagna” Beds

Raised & Accessible Beds

Container Gardening

Tilled Beds

Rainwater Harvesting

FRUIT: Natives & Cultivars Serviceberries Gooseberries Persimmons Pawpaws

Garden—Water—Earth Continuum

Protecting Ecological Integrity Sustainable cultivation methods Urban sprawl mitigation Green space creation Habitat gardening Increase biodiversity Reduce runoff Foster personal connection to nature

Sustainable Cultivation Methods Water efficient irrigation Compost and other natural fertilizers Lasagna gardening Bio-intensive planting Crop rotation Cover cropping Permaculture Integrated pest management Organic controls Companion planting

Backyard Habitat

Increasing Biodiversity

Reducing Chemical Input and Runoff

Addressing Urban Sprawl

Creating Green Space

Resources – Food Systems Grow With Your Neighbors Youth Garden Club City Beets Farm Life Blog ed-gen/blogs/dayton/farmlife Food Atlas Am. Community Gdng Assn Ecological Integrity Backyard Habitat Landscapes.aspx Certification w/ National Wildlife Federation Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create-a- Habitat.aspx Monarch Watch Audubon at Home Sustainable Methods Compost Kitchen On-Farm Methods SustainableFarm.aspx Service Learning Volunteer Training ATTRA