Growing Community Gardens 2013 is now full!

Please check back in October for applications to our 2014 session.

Description

Growing Community Gardens is a 9-week winter training for community garden leaders, focused on building skills, sharing ideas and identifying resources for developing successful, sustainable community gardens. Community gardeners of all levels of experience are encouraged to apply. We strongly recommend that two (2) garden leaders from each project attend the training together, if possible.

Upon completion of the training, participants whose projects meet site/program requirements are encouraged to become part of the Wasatch Community Gardens Network to receive ongoing support, access to resources (as available), consultation, networking opportunities, and eligibility to apply for financial (up to $5,000) and technical support for new community gardens.

Expectations of Participants

Full attendance at all 9 classes is required for all participants. Students are expected to be involved in a new or existing community garden projects that are committed to organic practices, food production, and inclusive organizing and community engagement. Some optional homework assignments will be involved in the course that may include meeting with your garden group between classes. This is optional. Finally, graduates must commit to at least 30 give-back hours in a community garden in 2013 (your own or another garden in the Wasatch Community Gardens Network).

Upon completion of the training, graduates whose projects are located within Salt Lake County and meet site/program requirements are invited to join the Wasatch Community Gardens Network to receive ongoing support, which includes a requirement of organic methods, inclusive community engagement, and periodic communication and reporting to the Wasatch Community Gardens Network Coordinator.

Schedule of Classes

NEW LOCATION: Sorenson Unity Center, 1383 South 900 West  Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Classes are taught by a combination of Wasatch Community Gardens staff and local experts, and involve discussion time as well as occasional homework assigments. Light refreshments will be provided. The order of topics is subject to change.

Wed, 1/16
6:00-9:00pm
Intro to Community Gardens

Wed 1/23
6:00-9:00pm
Cultivating Community

Wed 1/30
6:00-9:00pm
Community Garden Design

Wed 2/6
6:00-9:00pm
Garden Management

Wed 2/13
6:00-9:00pm
Group Facilitation

Wed 2/20
6:00-9:00pm
Organic Gardening

Wed 2/27
6:00-9:00pm
Nourishing Diversity

Wed 3/6
6:00-9:00pm
Working with Volunteers

Wed 3/13
6:00-9:00pm
Wrap-Up

Optional Sessions:

Sat 3/2
Community Gardens Tour

Program Fee

$75 for all 9 sessions. Scholarships available.
Payment is due upon acceptance into the training.

Deadlines & Application Process

December 1, 2:00 p.m. Deadline to submit application
December 1-15 Interviews and site visits held, if necessary
December 15 Applicants informed of decision
January 9 Registration and payment due
January 16 Classes begin

Application Review

Applications are reviewed by a committee facilitated by Wasatch Community Gardens. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants. Applications will be evaluated based on the quality of responses given in the application, including demonstrated community interest, community need, land access, dedication to long-term garden development, commitment to organic and sustainable practices, and interest in participating in the Wasatch Community Gardens Network following graduation. The review committee may also ask for a follow-up meeting to discuss your project.

In the case that demand exceeds available space, some preference will be given to garden projects that primarily serve low-income individuals who live in CDBG income eligible areas. To see if your participants are located in one of these areas, please refer to the Salt Lake City CDBG map.

Funding Partners

The Wasatch Community Gardens Network and Growing Community Gardens is made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Great Salt Lake Resource Conservation and Development Council, and Wells Fargo Foundation.

Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Application Assistance

For assistance in preparing an application, or more information, please contact:

Susan Finlayson
Network Coordinator
Wasatch Community Gardens
Phone: (801) 359-2658 x 12
Email: susan@wasatchgardens.org

Go to the Online Application ->

Applications for Growing Community Gardens 2013 were due on December 1, 2012.
All applications submitted at this time will be added to a waitlist.