People’s Garden resources can help support local community and school garden projects
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EmailIt’s not too early to start planning a People's Garden
The People’s Garden Initiative is led by the United States Department of Agriculture to challenge communities to create gardens taht help the community they live in and improve the environment.
A garden can become a People’s Garden by including these three components:
- They must be a benefit to the community by creating beautiful spaces, be wildlife friendly, attract butterflies, be a rain garden or donate the harvest to a local food pantry or shelter.
- The garden must be a collaborative effort that brings together neighbors and volunteers and other community organizations.
- The garden must incorporate sustainable practices that nurture, maintain and protect the environment.
Gardens promote health and wellness by encouraging healthy eating of fruits and vegetables and gardening provides an opportunity for exercise for all levels of abilities. People’s Gardens can help improve the local environment, create teaching opportunities for youth and adults, and gardening allows opportunities for social and community interactions that build community connections.
The People’s Garden website has a wealth of resources for communities to help get gardens started. There are links to many educational webinars, grant resources, gardening curriculum, blog information, recipes and connections to other gardeners. The People’s Garden Initiative Brochure shares information on how to become a People’s Garden.
Whether you have an existing garden, or are interested in starting a new one, you can join this national movement by registering your garden. In Michigan, communities and organizations can find local assistance with gardening at migarden.msu.edu or MSU Extension Home Gardening.
Michigan State University Extension has educators who provide Community Food Systems educational programming and assistance. For more information, you can contact Kathe Hale, at halek@anr.msu.edu.
