The People’s Garden Initiative is #4theSoil, for the community!
"The simple act of planting a garden can have big impacts – from building a more diverse and resilient local food system to empowering communities to address issues like nutrition access and climate change," states the project's website.
On August 13, the Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) enjoyed a tour of the People’s Garden Initiative in Richmond, Virginia. About 15 NRCS staff and conservation partners visited six of the 37 gardens that are involved in the initiative: Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School, Gilpin Community Farm, Frances McClenney Elementary School, Hillside Micro Farm, Richmond Grows Gardens, and Sankofa Community Orchard.
Nonprofit leaders and partners who lead the garden programs shared how they spearhead educational, environmental, and social justice work in their communities. Learn more about each garden site by clicking on their website or social channels below!
Richmond is one of the cities the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) chose to have Flagship People’s Gardens. NRCS Virginia has supported 37 gardens throughout the region as part of their broader urban agriculture initiative.
The People's Garden Initiative is one way for communities to get involved in urban, small-scale, and innovative agriculture. Learn about more opportunities on the USDA's Urban Agriculture page.
Burrow In (Resources)
USDA People’s Garden Initiative website: https://www.usda.gov/peoples-garden
NRCS and Urban Agriculture webpage: https://www.usda.gov/topics/urban
Fairfield Middle School's Cornerstone Farm selected by USDA for People's Garden Initiative, by Delaney Murrey, 8News, July 12, 2022: https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/fairfield-middle-schools-cornerstone-farm-selected-by-usda-for-peoples-garden-initiative/
Featured Soil Health Champions and Voices
Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School
Frances McClenney Elementary School
IG: @rvaschools
Gilpin Community Farm
Hillside Micro Farm
FB: Groundwork RVA
IG: @groundworkrva
Richmond Grows Gardens
Sankofa Community Orchard
IG: @sankofaorchard
Comentarios