1. F I V E R I V E R S M E T R O P A R K S The purpose of Five Rivers MetroParks is to protect natural areas, parks and river corridors, and to promote the conservation and use of these lands and waterways for the ongoing benefit of the people in the region.

2. Community Gardens: Growing a Conservation-Minded Community Land Re-use: Successes & Challenges

3. Five Rivers MetroParks Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission is to protect the region's natural heritage and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection with nature.

4. Five Rivers MetroParks Park District Political subdivision of the State of Ohio Funding: Montgomery County property tax levy 19 facilities 15,000 acres 330 miles of recreation trails

5. Why MetroParks & Community Gardens? Fit Mission, Vision & Purpose Strengthen connections between people & nature Foster healthy & active lifestyles Build fellowship Promote conservation, increase biodiversity Food Security Improve access to nutritious food Cut grocery bills Build community, meet neighbors Increase neighborhood involvement Build leadership A response to local needs Fit needs and desires of neighborhood: i.e. allotment, youth plots, fruit trees, herb gardens, raised beds

6. Food Justice/Food Access Chain Grocery Small Grocer Health Food School Community Garden

7. Montgomery Co Health 2011 National County Health Rankings Out of 88 counties, Montgomery Co: 68th for health outcomes 45th for health factors Ranks low in many health behaviors and social and economic factors

8. Support to just over 60 area CGs Consultation with new groups Assistance with organization Heavy metals soil test for proposed site Assistance with site preparation Educational materials & workshops Occasional workshops Assistance recruiting volunteers Ongoing assistance as needed MetroParks Provides

9. Become a mentor Master Gardener “hotline” Teach one-time programs Offer a series of programs Assist gardeners Consult with community gardeners Work with planning groups Donate time, tools or money Get Involved

10. City Beets 2012

11. Mentoring

12. Classes & Programs – check www.metroparks.org

13. General Needs for Veggies & Fruit Full Sun (6+ hrs/day) (part shade: lettuces, greens, pawpaw, gooseberries, currants) Well-drained soil (at least 8” deep) Good air circulation Not too steep a slope Access to Water Accessible to YOU – and feels safe Try to avoid planting in low-lying “frost pockets” Avoid tree lawns & areas close to sidewalk Maintain well rather than plant too much & maintain poorly

14. Healthy Practices Build your Soil Biodiversity & Diversity Variety Selection – Look for Resistance & Tolerance Organic, slow release fertilizers – pests follow the nitrogen! Crop Rotation & Beneficials around the orchard Reduce tillage & mowing Maintain “permanent” ground covers Mulch

15. “Lasagna” Beds

16. Raised & Accessible Beds

17. Container Gardening

18. Tilled Beds

19. Rainwater Harvesting

20. FRUIT: Natives & Cultivars Serviceberries Gooseberries Persimmons Pawpaws

21. Garden—Water—Earth Continuum

22. Protecting Ecological Integrity Sustainable cultivation methods Urban sprawl mitigation Green space creation Habitat gardening Increase biodiversity Reduce runoff Foster personal connection to nature

23. Sustainable Cultivation Methods Water efficient irrigation Compost and other natural fertilizers Lasagna gardening Bio-intensive planting Crop rotation Cover cropping Permaculture Integrated pest management Organic controls Companion planting

24. Backyard Habitat

25. Increasing Biodiversity

26. Reducing Chemical Input and Runoff

27. Addressing Urban Sprawl

28. Creating Green Space

29. Resources – www.metroparks.orgwww.metroparks.org Food Systems Grow With Your Neighbors www.metroparks.org/gwyn www.metroparks.org/gwyn Youth Garden Club City Beets www.metroparks.org/citybeetswww.metroparks.org/citybeets Farm Life Blog http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shar ed-gen/blogs/dayton/farmlife Food Atlas http://maps.ers.usda.gov/FoodAtlas/ Am. Community Gdng Assn www.communitygarden.org Ecological Integrity Backyard Habitat http://www.metroparks.org/GetEducated/Natural Landscapes.aspx Certification w/ National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor- Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create-a- Habitat.aspx Monarch Watch http://monarchwatch.org/waystations/ Audubon at Home http://athome.audubon.org/ Sustainable Methods Compost Kitchen On-Farm Methods http://www.metroparks.org/Parks/PossumCreek/ SustainableFarm.aspx Service Learning Volunteer Training ATTRA https://attra.ncat.org/