Gardening the Community

Duration: June - August (approx. 25hrs a week)

Location: Springfield, Massachusetts

Housing: Possible housing provided.  Student may be responsible for finding housing.

For more information: Gardening the Community

Qualifications
Strong interest in sustainable agriculture and sustainable living in an urban environment.  Interest also in youth development and community-based learning.  Organizing and coordination skills helpful. Willingness to participate in the varied tasks of the program: from working directly in the soil, to doing outreach, to doing administrative tasks.

Funding
Available through the Center for the Environment Summer Leadership Fellowship Program; see application instructions.

Background
Gardening the Community (GtC) is a project of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA).  It is a community-based, urban agriculture program located in Springfield, MA, that works with communities to grow organic fruits and vegetables on formerly abandoned lots.  The organization teaches sustainable growing practices as interns learn about and apply environmental stewardship principles, and community development with middle and high school students.  The mission of the organization is to help introduce and foster principles of sustainable living through urban agriculture.

The program focuses on:
Local Food Production
GtC grows thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables on city land, which are distributed by managing a small farmers' market boasting such customers as a local restaurant and health food store.

Conservation As Sustainable Living
In an effort to increase water conservation and sustainability, GtC integrates perennial food-producing plants into garden systems that also work to prevent erosion.  Fruits and vegetables are transported by a bicycle-powered delivery service, reducing air pollution and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.  Rain collection methods are utilized to reduce dependence on city water supply, and to practice low-input farming.  The organization institutes different levels of alternative growing practices within its program that encourage gardening without the use of chemicals, pesticides, or fossil fuel-powered machinery.

Community Outreach
GtC also distributes its vegetables to a local senior center as well as Springfield businesses.  This exposure informs the community about fresh, locally grown vegetables within their neighborhood and gains support for community gardens.  Students from the program are taken on field trips to farms, non-profit organizations, and community groups to deepen knowledge of agriculture and social change; they also work to install backyard gardens for community residents.  The organization hosts local youth groups and organizations from around the region, demonstrating to youth and adults the role that urban agriculture can play in community transformation.