Community GardenSteering 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

Cool T-Shirts!

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

Cool T-Shirts

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 GardenSteering Committee Formation Meeting

Thank you for participating!

March 27, 2013