2011 was another successful year in terms of the number of people served through direct garden programs. Over 1500 people (1100 youth and 400 adults) were served at 6 community, school and backyard garden sites and 6 garden workshops and community events. Seventy-five garden programs and workshops were offered at existing garden sites in the Durango/La Plata area. The community events and workshops provided information and resources to youth and adults from the greater 4 Corners Area. Our volunteer force, representing over 20 community organizations and youth groups, contributed close to 1500 hours to make this year and all the programs possible! Aside from the numbers, 2011 was a year to remember. We broke ground on 3 new garden sites. City Hall and Needham had their biggest harvest seasons, Upward Bound had its most successful summer full of new projects and partners, and students at Fort Lewis Mesa amazed their parents, teachers and community through their creativity, dedication, and level of ownership during the first Miner’s Garden Tour. This year continues to show that gardens are as much about people as they are about plants.......... Read More in our Annual Report. OTHER GARDEN PROJECT NEWS... I would also l like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Deb Moses, and I am honored and excited to be the new Executive Director for The Garden Project. This amazing organization already has a rich history of working hard to create a healthier community in the greater Durango area. I hope to continue this tradition and will work to expand The Garden Project’s horizons and goals by incorporating some of my past experiences with community gardens and organic farming and new ideas such as incorporating more science and math into our school garden curriculum and broadening our reach outside of Durango. Fortunately for us, co-founder and former Executive Director, Shari Fitzgerald will still be helping The Garden Project to continue to grow. Shari will be focusing on our school garden programs as well as enjoying more time spent working in the gardens. Please continue to contact Shari regarding the school gardens, and those of you involved with other projects can contact me. I look forward to meeting you and working with you! Thank you for your involvement with The Garden Project! School Garden Resource Guidebook The Garden Project started a school garden resource guide filled with guidelines to starting a school garden, lesson plans, sample budgets, theme gardens and other helpful hints for school garden coordinators and teachers. Visit our new resource page and guidebook. Tool Mobile and Lending Library: The tool library transports tools, curriculum, and other garden materials between schools, agencies, and volunteers. Donations of garden materials for the tool library would be highly appreciated. Call Shari at 259-3123 to access the mobile or donate supplies! The fabulous handmade mural was done by Upward Bound with Aspen Sign and Design adding our graphics. Join the Garden Project Board: We are looking for individuals who: Represent the community of Southwest Colorado – anyone from lawyers to landscapers!- Can commit to one monthly board meeting a month and can help with The Garden Project’s events and fundraisers.- Have a passion for our mission: “to build a healthier community through the facilitation of educational and therapeutic garden programs and the promotion of a sustainable local food system.”- Are interested in helping The Garden Project grow into a larger, more diverse, and even more successful organization! To apply, please fill out our Board application or contact Beth Saren at mbcoblentz@yahoo.com by February 29th.

2011 was another successful year in terms of the number of people served through direct garden programs. Over 1500 people (1100 youth and 400 adults) were served at 6 community, school and backyard garden sites and 6 garden workshops and community events. Seventy-five garden programs and workshops were offered at existing garden sites in the Durango/La Plata area. The community events and workshops provided information and resources to youth and adults from the greater 4 Corners Area. Our volunteer force, representing over 20 community organizations and youth groups, contributed close to 1500 hours to make this year and all the programs possible!

Aside from the numbers, 2011 was a year to remember. We broke ground on 3 new garden sites. City Hall and Needham had their biggest harvest seasons, Upward Bound had its most successful summer full of new projects and partners, and students at Fort Lewis Mesa amazed their parents, teachers and community through their creativity, dedication, and level of ownership during the first Miner’s Garden Tour. This year continues to show that gardens are as much about people as they are about plants.......... Read More in our Annual Report.

OTHER GARDEN PROJECT NEWS...

I would also l like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Deb Moses, and I am honored and excited to be the new Executive Director for The Garden Project. This amazing organization already has a rich history of working hard to create a healthier community in the greater Durango area. I hope to continue this tradition and will work to expand The Garden Project’s horizons and goals by incorporating some of my past experiences with community gardens and organic farming and new ideas such as incorporating more science and math into our school garden curriculum and broadening our reach outside of Durango.

Fortunately for us, co-founder and former Executive Director, Shari Fitzgerald will still be helping The Garden Project to continue to grow. Shari will be focusing on our school garden programs as well as enjoying more time spent working in the gardens. Please continue to contact Shari regarding the school gardens, and those of you involved with other projects can contact me. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

Thank you for your involvement with The Garden Project!

School Garden Resource Guidebook The Garden Project started a school garden resource guide filled with guidelines to starting a school garden, lesson plans, sample budgets, theme gardens and other helpful hints for school garden coordinators and teachers. Visit our new resource page and guidebook.

Tool Mobile and Lending Library: The tool library transports tools, curriculum, and other garden materials between schools, agencies, and volunteers. Donations of garden materials for the tool library would be highly appreciated. Call Shari at 259-3123 to access the mobile or donate supplies! The fabulous handmade mural was done by Upward Bound with Aspen Sign and Design adding our graphics.

Join the Garden Project Board: We are looking for individuals who: Represent the community of Southwest Colorado – anyone from lawyers to landscapers!- Can commit to one monthly board meeting a month and can help with The Garden Project’s events and fundraisers.- Have a passion for our mission: “to build a healthier community through the facilitation of educational and therapeutic garden programs and the promotion of a sustainable local food system.”- Are interested in helping The Garden Project grow into a larger, more diverse, and even more successful organization!

To apply, please fill out our Board application or contact Beth Saren at mbcoblentz@yahoo.com by February 29th.

P.O. Box 4434 Durango, Colorado 81302 (970) 259-3123 thegardenprojectsw@yahoo.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Durango High School Health Expo: February 15th from 9am -12:30. We will spend the day with high school students and other community organizations promoting health and wellness for our youth. VOLUNTEERS WELCOME! Contact thegardenprojectsw@yahoo.com or stop by if you can give a hand.

Dig In! The 4th Homegrown Food Retreat will feature Chef and Colorado Farm-to-School Program Liaison Andrew Nowak address building a healthy local food economy as well as numerous interactive workshops and demonstrations.

Schedule of Events:

Keynote Speaker: Andy Novak 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 24th Fort Lewis College - Student Union Ballroom

Workshops
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m, Saturday, February 25th- Fort Lewis College- Student Union Ballroom. A day of interactive workshop and demonstrations designed to harvest public enthusiasm and input to set the community table with local, healthy food lunch. Click here for a more detailed description of the program.

Cost:

$10 suggested donation at the door
FLC students are free

Contact Information:

Please direct questions to Rachel Landis at rllandis@fortlewis.edu , (970) 247-7676

For more information about the Conference and the Conference Schedule click here

RSVP HERE!

NEWS, UPCOMING EVENTS AND GARDEN DAYS

Volunteers and partnerships have always been an integral part of The Garden Project. In 2011, volunteers provided over 1,500 hours of support to more than 6 school and community gardens. To become a Garden Project volunteer, contact us at thegardenprojectsw@yahoo.com. Volunteers are welcome at any the following garden days, community events, or are welcome to create their own volunteer opportunities.

If you have a garden related event or project you want posted on our website. Contact Shari with the details.