Community Garden Talk March 24 –– U of I Extension News, March 8, 2017

Community Garden Talk March 24

Participating in a community garden can reward you with many benefits.  The benefits include eating more healthy locally grown produce, engaging in physical activity, skill building, beautification, socialization and more.  Community Gardens come in all shapes and forms.  Some gardens are GIFT Gardens (Growing Illinois Food Together), and the produce is donated to food pantries and to families in need. Some gardens are a collection of residents who choose to occupy a plot within a garden. They either do not have the space at home, or choose to garden alongside others in the community. Others are located at schools or institutions as teaching gardens, where participants not only learn how to grow healthy food, the garden also provides additional teaching opportunities throughout the gardening process. These are just a few ways people are involved with community gardening.

University of Illinois Extension will be providing a program and discussion on community gardens at the Case Halsted Library, 550 Sixth Street, Carlyle, IL on Friday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about community gardening, and how you can become involved, you will want to attend. We will define community gardening and look at many types and styles available to establish a garden.

For participants looking to start a new community garden we will examine many of the considerations you need to plan for from assessment, funding, planning, and partnerships. We will also look at some current ongoing community gardens in the area that you may wish to explore.

The city of Carlyle has recently announced creating a Community Garden.  Learn more about this project from local organizers as part of this evening program. This is a free community program and no registration is required. You do not need to be a resident of Carlyle to participate.

Recycled Arts 4-H Club Begins This Month

Third and fourth graders from Washington County are invited to join the Recycled Arts 4-H Club starting this month at the Okawville Public Library.  Projects may include games, and decorations made from items like plastic soda bottle lids, jeans, baby wipe containers, and much more.  Story time and reading will be incorporated in the activities as well.  Meeting dates will be March 14, 16, 22, and 23 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Cost is $10 per child, and space is limited so advance registration is required by calling 618-327-8881. Spots are expected to fill quickly.  Washington County Farm Bureau and the Illinois 4-H Foundation provide additional program support.

    University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact the extension office at (618)327-8881.