Community Garden Steering 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 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

 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 Garden Steering Committee Meeting Thank you for participating! May 8, 2013