Building Community Gardens in Montana - AERO

62 Pages·2009·10.48 MB·English

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS
Published by:
Alternative Energy
Resources Organization In Montana
Thank you to our funders,
the High Stakes Foundation
and the Fanwood Foundation
for making this publication
possible.
Special thanks to: Working
for Equality and Economic
Liberation (WEEL).
Thanks to the following for
your vision, guidance, and
support as the founding
Growing Community Project
Steering Committee:
Jim Barngrover, AERO Ag
Program Manager; Alan
Peura, City Commissioner;
Maureen Shaughnessy,
Landscape Designer; Selena
Held, Community Organizer;
WEEL Staff: Mary Caferro,
Rachael Conn, Brian Coplin,
Layna George, Olivia Riutta;
Renee Driesen, Project for
Alternative Learning, Executive
Director; Jeri Rittel, Project for
K G h
by AThryN rEAr uTChiSON
Alternative Learning; Mary Ellen
Halverson, Nutritionist; Richard
Thieltges, Technical Garden
Advisor; Bethany Flint,
ExplorationWorks! Museum;
Randy Lilje, Helena Parks
Department; Ann Waickman,
Helena Food Share; Jonda
Crosby, AERO Executive Director;
Montana Legal Services and
the Volunteers in Service to
America (VISTA) program
Helena Citizens Council
Helena Food Share
Suzanne Wilcox and
Becca Leaphart of
ExplorationWorks! Museum
Tim Hall and Josh Slotnick,
of Missouala’s community
garden network, Garden City
Harvest
Thank you to all those who
with their time, positive
energy, and generosity have
contributed to the Helena
Growing Community Project
and to this community AlternAtive energy resources orgAnizAtion
gardening manual.
432 North Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59601
[phone] • fax: [phone]
email [email protected]
www.aeromt.org
BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA
CONTENTS
Introduction .......................................................................................1
Chapter 1: Starting a Garden ...............................................................3
Start a steering committee .............................................................................................3
Identify stakeholders .....................................................................................................4
Get community feedback and support ..........................................................................4
Hold an informational meeting .....................................................................................4
Approach a Sponsor ......................................................................................................6
Publicity/Outreach ........................................................................................................6
Chapter 2: Finding the Right Site for Your Garden ..................................7
Evaluating Land ............................................................................................................7
Soil Testing ....................................................................................................................8
Choosing your site .........................................................................................................9
Talking to the landowner ...............................................................................................9
Lease agreements and use-agreements ..........................................................................9
Buying Land ................................................................................................................10
Using public land .........................................................................................................10
Water ...........................................................................................................................11
Liability Insurance ......................................................................................................12
Chapter 3 Designing Your Garden ....................................................... 13
Designing your garden with community in mind .......................................................13
Incorporating food assistance programs ......................................................................16
Chapter 4: Building Your Garden ........................................................ 17
Gathering Supplies ......................................................................................................17
Volunteer work days ....................................................................................................18
Chapter 5: Garden Organization ......................................................... 19
Managing Your Garden ...............................................................................................19
Membership Dues ......................................................................................................19
Garden guidelines ........................................................................................................19
Additional Ideas ...........................................................................................................20
Chapter 6: Success! ........................................................................... 21
Montana’s Community Gardens: ...............................................................................21
Garden City Harvest ..................................................................................................21
Helena Community Garden Project ...........................................................................23
Appendices
A. Garden Designs ..................................................................................................A-25
B. Sample Letters of Support .................................................................................B-29
C. Land Assessment Checklist ................................................................................C-33
D. Sample Lease agreement ...................................................................................D-34
E. Sample Outreach Material .................................................................................E-37
F. Sample Garden Guidelines .................................................................................F-43
G. Sample Gardeners Contracts .............................................................................G-48
H. Garden City Harvest Surveys ............................................................................H-50
I. Master Event Planning Schedule .........................................................................I-53
J. Applying for Non-Profit Status ............................................................................J-55
K. Resources ...........................................................................................................K-57
ii BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA
INTRODUCTION
Growing your Community gardens have grown in allow people to provide themselves with
popularity across Montana, and the time healthy, nutritious, delicious, and afford-
own food in
has never been better to start a community able food. They encourage an active
community garden in your own community. Commu- lifestyle and bring families, friends, and
nity gardens are an equitable, ecological, neighbors together in a positive and safe
gardens is
and healthy contribution to communities. environment. They give access to land for
a practical, They benefit whole communities by restor- people who wouldnÕt otherwise grow their
ing vibrancy to often vacant land and by own food. Community gardens can save
affordable
bringing neighbors together. Community individuals and families money on their
step toward a gardens improve the quality of life, social grocery bills and save energy in the cost of
interactions, and self-reliance of urban food transportation.
healthy, vibrant
and semi-urban neighborhoods in Mon- In the last several decades, MontanaÕs
tana by creating safe public space, conserv- food system has drastically changed the
Montana food
ing energy and resources, and preserving way Montanans get their food. Whereas
system and
green space. Montana produced 70% of its own food in
For those who choose active involve- the 1940s it produces less than 10% today.
ecology.
ment in community gardens, the benefits A portion of the former percentage was
are innumerable. Community gardens comprised of backyard and community
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BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA 1
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Florence Crittenden Home Garden, Helena.
gardening. As means of transportation areas across America in the past. During
were made more efficient, the global food World War I, the Great Depression, and
system began to deliver food from all over WWII, the US Department of Agricul-
the world through an extremely energy- ture estimates that more than 20 million
intensive transportation process. Many are victory gardens were planted in backyards,
looking to rebuild a more sustainable, self- on rooftops, and in vacant lots across the
reliant food system in Montana. Growing country in response to a call to support the
your own food in community gardens is a troops and conserve energy and materials
practical, affordable step toward a healthy, by growing one’s own food. As part of the
vibrant Montana food system and ecology. resurgence of community gardens, First
Community gardens have an intrigu- Lady Michelle Obama has followed the
ing national history. Once supported as a lead of Eleanor Roosevelt and planted an
patriotic effort during wartime, commu- organic vegetable garden on the grounds
nity gardens, known as Victory Gardens, of the White House. Food from the garden
have been a significant presence in urban supplies the White House and a Washing-
ton, D.C. food bank.
2 BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA
CHAPTER 1: STARTING A COMMUNITY GARDEN
Though it is There are many steps involved in already discussed starting a community
starting a community garden. This manual garden when you begin. Sometimes those
a multi-step
is meant to address the basic process, interested in helping to start a community
process, starting common issues and possible solutions to garden are not actually interested in using
starting your garden. Decide which prac- the garden themselves. Their interest may
a community
tices are best for your project. Community come from being avid gardeners or farm-
garden is gardens can be initiated in a variety of ers, or from a philosophical or community
ways, and there are abundant resources development perspective. Whatever the
not nearly as
available. It could be that a piece of land case may be, volunteers of this nature are
daunting as it is offered to an interested group, or that excellent assets to your project; just re-
an organization offers support. Sometimes member to be conscientious about notify-
may at times
there are no obvious leads beyond interest ing the neighborhood around your garden
from neighborhood residents. This interest site of meeting times and plans; this will
seem.
is plenty to begin your project. keep potential gardeners in the loop of
Though it is a multi-step process, start- planning and building the garden.
ing a community garden is not nearly as When starting a planning committee,
daunting as it may at times seem. There you should aim for diversity in represen-
may be temporary setbacks, but these can tation at your meetings. Neighborhood
be overcome, and a garden can be planned residents, interested gardeners, allied
in relatively short order. Depending on the organizations’ membership, City Council
size and scope of your plans, it may take members, the City Parks Department, and
very little prep time at all. civic groups are all good places to find
It is important to have a healthy-sized planning committee members. Consider
group of people willing to help before your needs and who can help meet them.
planning and building your garden. It People who will use the garden, people
takes a significant amount of work to put who live in the area, and those who can
together a well planned garden, and hav- help access resources (city parks depart-
ing a number of people to share the neces- ment, local businesses, or volunteer labor
sary tasks will make the entire process pools) are important groups to include in
more manageable and fun. Generally, with the planning process.
at least ten committed community mem- A good way to get started is to have
bers willing to volunteer their time, you’ll an organizational meeting with your
be off to a good start. developing planning committee, followed
by a general community meeting in the
S P C neighborhood to propose your idea and
tart a lanning ommittee
gather input from residents and interested
When organizing a community gar-
gardeners.
den, your first step is to gather a planning
The planning committee’s first orga-
committee, which will oversee the initial
nizational meeting can include a number
steps of the process and create an over-
of items in the agenda, but make sure
arching vision for the garden.
to come up with a few basics: a general
In the best scenario a few neighbors,
plan of what the garden should look like,
friends, or community members will have
BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA 3
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A community meeting to
a few different land options, and what the member targeted by your group as an es-
discuss ideas for a new
focus of the garden should be. Assess the sential member of the planning committee garden. Public input
assets in your community to determine cannot attend the meetings, ask whether is a vital part of your
planning process.
any resources that may be helpful to you. your group might send them meeting min-
Though your initial plans may change, utes so that they are aware of the project’s
you’ll want to bring a well-developed idea progress. The more diverse the steering
to a community meeting; this will ensure committee and sponsorship are, the more
meaningful response and input from the resources will be available to you as needs
rest of the community. arise.
Subsequent planning committee meet-
ings may include a discussion of what de- g C f
etting ommunity eedbaCk
cision making methods the committee will S
and uPPort
use (consensus decision making, voting,
Initial outreach is essential for a truly
etc.) and establishing sub-committees to
community-supported garden. First, you
carry out the work of the group. Pertinent
will need to know who will be using the
subcommittees may be Communications,
garden in order to design and plan it. If
Fundraising, Construction, Outreach/
the garden is intended to benefit a particu-
Publicity, and Garden Site Development.
lar neighborhood, group or population, be
Within your planning committee, it will
sure that they are involved in the planning
be helpful to identify a garden coordinator
from the beginning and that their needs
who will call and facilitate meetings, orga-
are being met throughout the planning
nize the general neighborhood meeting,
phase. Your project will benefit immensely
follow subcommittee progress, and eventu-
from this kind of input, from picking a
ally maintain contact with the gardeners.
site, to brainstorming garden designs, to
gathering labor and supplies.
i a
dentify dditional
S
takeholderS h i m
old an nformational eeting
Consider involving city officials such
Libraries, schools, and parks are good
as City Council members, members of
places to hold general informational meet-
the Parks and Recreation Board, city staff,
ings. Be prepared to provide refreshments,
landscape designers, leadership of nearby
snacks and free childcare and advertise
neighborhood associations, interested
these in outreach material. This will sig-
gardeners, and property owners in the
nificantly increase attendance and partici-
garden planning process. If a community
pation in your project.
4 BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA
Begin the meeting with introductions information and good ideas coming from
and speak generally about the many ben- the community. Constructive criticism
efits of community gardens. Follow with a can also be applied to your plans at this
concise, clear, and organized presentation development stage. Remember, respond-
of your vision for the garden, including ing to criticism now will garner a broader
any visual representation you may have base of support for the garden from the
(drawings, photos, etc.). Briefly outline beginning.
the steps that need to be taken to build a You may also choose to follow this
garden and how long you anticipate it will meeting up by sending letters to residents
take until the garden is ready for plant- in neighboring areas, or by going door-
ing. Emphasize that the garden is a public to-door with a survey to gather support
space and that all are welcome to par- and ideas from people who were unable,
ticipate. Be prepared to answer questions or uninterested, in attending the meeting.
about your garden’s design and location. The more early input you have, the better
Most importantly, ask for input. What kind prepared you will be to build a communi-
of garden would the community like to ty-based garden and to avoid obstacles in
see (flowers, vegetables, fruit)? Should the the future.
garden target special populations within If you are using public land to build
the community? If so, who? Where is the the garden, a specific public input process
preferred location? may be necessary to avoid problems down
At the meeting, respond to and record the road. In fact, the City Parks Depart-
comments, concerns, and suggestions ment may have a specific survey process
from attendees. Consider this feedback that will need to be followed for your proj-
while developing plans, and always regard ect to be approved. Be sure to contact your
the garden site’s neighborhood as an ally Parks Department for local requirements.
in the project. There will be a wealth of
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A visible sign can H
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help attract visitors, N
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gardeners, and publicity R
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to your garden. A
M
BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA 5
nently place a colorful sign announcing,
a S
PProaCh a PonSor
“Future site of ___________ Community
A sponsor is an individual or organiza-
Garden.”
tion that commits to support a project. Site
Take advantage of your town’s news-
sponsorship can be a tremendous asset.
papers. Local reporters are often eager to
Sponsors may donate equipment or agree
cover positive local events, such as the cre-
to house lease agreements, insurance, and
ation of a community garden. The public-
funding, all of which may require the pres-
ity and support you may receive from the
ence of a steady entity such as an incorpo-
media along the way will greatly benefit
rated non-profit or LLC in order to enter
your project. This support will manifest
into these legal agreements.
in many ways, from attracting volunteers
and donors to lending more legitimacy
P o
ubliCity and utreaCh to your project for future funding. When
Once you have created a planning
you contact the press, be prepared with
committee and a general informational
talking points and a written press release.
meeting for the community has been held,
Be aware that the media may wait for a
get ready to do some outreach, and plan
big event such as the first big work day
for publicity. Create a name for your gar-
building the garden, or a ribbon cutting
den. If you have secured your site, promi-
ceremony.
6 BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA
CHAPTER 2:
FIND THE RIGHT SITE FOR YOUR GARDEN
Choosing the Armed with ideas from the garden garden can ensure success by providing
planning committee and neighborhood the best environment for new gardeners to
right site for
input, you are ready to evaluate your land succeed at growing nutritious vegetables,
your garden can options. We recommend choosing several while enjoying each others’ company, and
sites in a neighborhood that may fit your thriving in a new community space.
ensure success
needs. Consider any other possibilities
by providing brought forward at community and group EvaluatE Your land
meetings. Many factors are involved in
A good garden is one that balances
the best
securing a site, so having several viable op-
several factors: ecological and financial vi-
environment for tions is important. ability, timeliness, and the capacity of the
Be prepared for issues to arise at this
planning committee to do the necessary
new gardeners
point. Setbacks could include a prop-
work. You should come up with a checklist
erty owner who does not approve of the
to succeed to evaluate land suggestions (see Appendix
project, contaminated soil which poses too
C for a sample evaluation) that arise and
at growing
great a risk for growing food, an unwilling
visit each potential site to observe the pros
neighbor, lack of a water source, or the
nutritious and cons of each. Factors to include in
prohibitive cost of installing a water meter.
your evaluation:
vegetables, while If any of these situations occur, don’t be
Sunlight: You will need a location receiv-
discouraged. Chances are that other, likely
enjoying each ing at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
better, land options exist for your garden.
Shade: If shade from structure or trees,
others’ company, Like any collaborative project, a suc-
from which direction?
cessful community garden depends on
Size: How many beds of what size could
and thriving in a
people having good experiences from the
you build?
new community beginning. Choosing the right site for your
Topography: Is the land relatively flat?
space.
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Salad greens sprout in the E
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ExplorationWorks children’s U
A
educational garden. M
BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA 7
What could you do if it had a signifi- sure you know what you are dealing with
cant slope? before you make any development plans.
Visibility: How visible is the garden for Soil should be tested in the fall prior to
others? Will this location make the gar- planting.
den an asset to the whole community A soil test is necessary to determine
and mixed uses? the safety and adequacy of your soil. To
Soil composition: Sand, silt, clay, or- do this you will need to collect a sample
ganic matter, compacted. from the land, and have it tested by a labo-
Drainage: Is it adequate? ratory. You should test your pH, nitrogen,
Depth of topsoil phosphorus, and potassium content (nutri-
Any underground pipes or lines? ents required to grow healthy plants). It is
pH level also vital to test for heavy metals or other
Results of soil test: Nitrogen (N), Phos- toxins which may be present in your soil.
phorus (P)-Potassium (K), heavy metals, Call your local county extension office
etc. to find out where to send soil samples,
Proximity to target population: Can costs involved and exact methods of
gardeners walk to the site? collection and labeling. Your county
Accessibility: Handicapped accessible extension office has a wealth of informa-
entrances and paths? Parking available? tion about gardening and will be a good
Pre-existing assets: Fence, shed, good resource for any growing questions you
soil, boulders or other landscaping may have in general.
material. When gathering soil for your test,
Water access: Where would your water you will need a clean spoon, zip-top bags
come from? labeled with the exact location the samples
Are there public restroom facilities were taken, and a small trowel. Choose
nearby? four representative locations on the prop-
Is there electrical power? (You don’t erty and label each of the four zip-top
actually need electricity for your gar- bags. For each of your four sample loca-
den, but this is helpful to know when tions, collect a few tablespoons of soil from
making construction plans.) an inch below the surface. Scrape away
History of use: You may need to con- the top inch of soil in your sample, as it
tact the owner for this information, but does not accurately represent the composi-
it is important to know if there has been tion of the soil below. Gather the soil for
industrial or other high-risk activity in each zip-top bag in this way from three
the past that may cause the property places within a few feet of each other so
to be a poor choice for a community that each sample accurately represents the
garden. small area you are testing.
If you are unsure what to test for,
t Y s speak to your county extension officer.
Est our oil
However, be sure your test includes the
A visual analysis can determine the
basics: pH, N-P-K, oil, zinc, arsenic,
quality of your soil in regards to its tex-
cadmium, and lead. This basic test should
tural composition, drainage, and whether
be relatively affordable and is generally
it is compacted or not. However, there are
around $60. Heavy metal testing will
many sources of pollution that may hinder
require additional digestion fees, but it is
your ability to grow safe food, so to be
vital to do the test.
8 BUILDING COMMUNITY GARDENS IN MONTANA