Columbus Community Gardening

Near East-Side Harvest Festival October 1, 2011

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Dear Community Residents, Businesses, and Organizations:

On behalf of Full Circle Soil, I would like to announce and encourage you to participate in our

first annual Near East-side Harvest Festival scheduled for October 1, 2011. This is a call to action

in cooperation among the various community businesses and organizations. We all share a

common goal of bettering the community. We are all aware of the economic hurt and food

injustice our community is facing. Our national government is unable to cure this sickness on their

own and are too distant to do so. We have to take responsibility for our own community’s health,

wellbeing, and economic future!

One way we can do this is by participating in this year’s Near East-Side Harvest Festival. The Festival

is scheduled for October 1, 2011 and will kick off Local Food’s Week. Our festival will prove to be a

celebration of our individual choices at the table and display the resources available to us in our

own community. Profits from the Harvest Festival will be used to assist local organic growers,

provide entrepreneurial education, and capital for community based activities.

We invite you to join this grass roots effort to educate our community about affordable, healthy food

alternatives. As a community, we will take the steps necessary to provide a healthier, more economically

secure future.
Again, thank you,

Shevann Atkins, Administrative Assistant

shevann.fullcirclesoil@gmail.com

Full Circle Soil

2011 Growing to Green Awards

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:25:00 +0000

All,

It is that time of year again to celebrate our community gardens, school gardens, beautification projects and gardeners through the 2011 Growing to Green Awards!

Would you all please forward this on to all who are involved with such projects? You could also nominate projects if you like. The application is attached and through the link below. You also may be interested in the new category “sustainability” for your gardens and others. We are always dependent on garden leaders to nominate a strong individual(s) for the ‘Youth Leadership’ and ‘Community Gardener of the Year’ Awards as well.

Be aware that the deadline for entries is Monday, August 1st at 5pm so please forward to your lists and individuals right away.

The awards celebration will be here on the community Garden Campus on August 25th, 6-9pm. Mark your calendars!
A link to Awards application:
http://www.fpconservatory.org/g2gawards.htm

Bill Dawson
Growing to Green Program Coordinator
Franklin Park Conservatory
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43203-2040
614.645.5952
bdawson@fpconservatory.org
http://www.fpconservatory.org/

Will Allen visit to Columbus

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:58:00 +0000

Greetings,
Please help get the word out on this great event! Post on Facebook, tweet about it, cut and paste the information below and forward on to your lists, print the poster and display where you can and most of all come and be inspired by Mr. Will Allen and learn even more gardening techniques!

In 2008, the MacArthur Foundation called Milwaukee’s Will Allen a genius for the work that he has done in developing urban food gardens in poor neighborhoods. In 2010, Time Magazine called him a hero and declared him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
It is a profound honor, therefore, for us to be able to work with Mr. Allen’s new Columbus affiliate, Stiletto Gardener; Franklin Park Conservatory’s Growing to Green program; and other leaders of the Columbus progressive food movement to introduce Columbus to Mr. Allen and his work.
Mr. Allen will begin his visit on Friday, July 15, with a small reception at the Conservatory (1777 East Broad Street, Columbus). The reception will be followed by a keynote address at FPC describing his organization, Growing Power, its philosophy, its methods, and its accomplishments.

On Saturday and Sunday, the 16th and 17th, Mr. Allen will lead two hands-on workshops, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., on the details of urban food gardens, with subjects ranging from how to build a hoop-house to vermiculture to urban aquaponics. See location of workshops at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/174498

Tickets for the keynote address alone are priced at $35; reception and workshop tickets (limited availability) are $50 and $170, respectively, and include free admission to the keynote address. Tickets and more information can be obtained at the following URL: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/174498

Thank you all,
Bill

Is your Garden an Earth Day Worksite? Sign up now!!

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:44:00 +0000

I justed wanted to remind you about Columbus' city-wide Earth Day: Lighten Up! two-part event. The Green Columbus web designer elves have been hard at work and the 2011 website looks great! It is ready for your work-site registration! In addtion, volunteer registration to participate at a registered worksite and/or the Celebration at Franklin Park will be open on Tuesday March 15th! We are looking forward to some great achievements this year! Thanks for pitching in to make it a success! If there is someone else we should contact instead of you, or someone you think would want to get involved, please provide the contact information (name / e-mail address), or forward this email. If this email, or one similar to it has already been sent to you, I apologize for any repetition.
Here is the link:
http://www.lightenup2011.org/

If you already registered your worksite (non-profit, business, school, place of worship, area in your neighborhood, park, etc) last year, you can use your 2010 login info. If you've forgotten your password all you need is your email address and to click the Forgot Password link.

If you are new to the Earth Day Worksite Weekend event, or need to re-register here's how to register your worksite:
· Choose the ‘Get Involved’ button at the top of the page
· Choose the ‘Register a Service Project’ link (after the ‘Volunteer’ link)
· Choose the ‘Log in’ link (using username from last year) or the ‘register’ link (to create a new account). There is a ‘Forgot Password’ link if you know the username but forget the password.
· Once logged in, choose ‘Create Worksite’.

Let me know if you run into any issues with this process. Again, individuals will be able to sign up to volunteer starting March 15 until April 15th at midnight.
There will be 3 Worksite Leader Rally sessions to get everyone the information and supplies they need prior to the worksite events! More information on this to come, but the dates and locations are:
Saturday, April 2 at 2pm (only for projects NOT involved in litter abatement) at Eartha Limited
Monday, April 11 at noon at Whetstone Park (for any type of project)
Wednesday, April 13 from 5pm to 6:30pm at Keep Columbus Beautiful (for litter abatement projects)

I know there are still some outstanding questions about availability of trees, supplies, etc. We are working hard to get all the details worked out and get those answers to you. Feel free to send your questions to me or Erin, if you haven’t already heard back from us.
Derek S. Lory
440-622-4756

Two new Grants for Gardens

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:32:00 +0000

Community gardens offered $68,725 in aid

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 02:51 AM
By Robert Vitale and Elizabeth Gibson

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Columbus and Franklin County are offering grants totaling $68,725 to community gardens looking to take root for the first time, as well as those interested in growing.
Groups can apply for up to $4,000 each through the Columbus Foundation at columbusfoundation.org. The deadline to submit an application is April 1, and the recipients will be announced on April 23 for Earth Day.
Columbus handed out $15,000 for community gardens last year and will distribute $30,000 this year. County officials decided to join in and will contribute the rest with federal funding.
County and city officials said community gardens are a good way to bring neighborhoods together and to increase access to healthful produce. "We've realized over the past couple of years that, not only is there a bigger interest in community gardening than we thought, this is something people need help with," said County Commissioner John O'Grady.
egibson@dispatch.com
rvitale@dispatch.com

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. Offers Grants For Community Gardens
March 2, 2011

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. is offering $1,500 grants to communities and organizations involved in creating community gardens and green spaces.
The goal is to plant 1,000 gardens and green spaces across the U.S., Canada and Europe by 2018. To help achieve that goal, Scotts Miracle-Gro launched a new program called GRO1000. Communities interested in pursuing 2011 GRO1000 grassroots grants can apply online at http://thescottsmiraclegrocompany.com/GRO1000 by March 31, 2011.
Projects should include the involvement of neighborhood residents and foster a sense of community spirit.
"Something happens when communities grow and learn together," says Jim King, Scotts Miracle-Gro senior vice president of corporate affairs. "People develop a sense of pride and accomplishment when they get involved in cleaning up their neighborhoods, growing flowers or cultivating their own healthy local food, and we want to help them get the job done."

Throughout 2011, Scotts Miracle-Gro and its partners will establish gardens and green spaces in Los Angeles; Houston; Chicago; New York; Ontario, Canada and Lyon, France. Those partners include Keep Amreica Beautiful, Plant A Row For The Hungry, Garden Writers Association, the National Gardening Association and Franklin Park Conservatory

Welch's Harvest Grants.

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:57:00 +0000

As a family farmer owned company that is proud to grow and nurture grapes, Welch's values the importance of healthy eating. Now in our second year partnership with Scholastic and the National Gardening Association, Welch's is supporting school garden programs through Welch's Harvest Grants. Whether you're a child or an adult, planting and tending a garden helps build an understanding of our environment and fosters a respect for nature. Schools around the country can apply for a Welch's Harvest Grant to win a school garden.

Enter the site to find out how you can get involved!
http://www.scholastic.com/harvest/

Community Garden Classes at the Conservatory

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 14:23:00 +0000

Starting a Community Garden

An overview of how to start a community garden from scratch: gathering community support, choosing a garden design, finding and acquiring land, solving water and soil issues. Featuring: Bill Dawson .
Saturday, January 22, 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Food Safety for the Garden

Food safety expert Shari Plimpton, Ph.D., Director, Industry Outreach, CIFT, will discuss the funda-mentals of proper food handling and good agriculture practices for community gardeners, urban growers and those involved in farmers’ markets. Registration required; space limited. Sponsored by Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Program and the Conservatory’s Growing to Green Program.

Wednesday, March 2, 6 - 8 pm

Free with Conservatory admission

Basic Garden Design (two class series)

Garden Design Basics

A staff horticulturist and garden designer will walk you through the most important building blocks of a great garden design.

Saturday, January 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

$15 Members; $20 Non-members

Seasonal Color and Interest

Add seasonal color and interest to your garden.

Saturday, January 22, 1:30 -3:30 p.m.

$15 Members; $20 Non-members

$25 Members; $30 Non-members (for 2 class series)

Organic Gardening Basics

Learn about the what, why and how of organics. Gardening practices of plant nutrition and pest management will be covered.

Saturday, January 29, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

$15 Members; $20 Non-members

What’s Happening In and Around the State of Ohio Related to Local Foods and Farming!

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:14:00 +0000

Events

Saturday & Sunday, January 29 & 30:

Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference, McDonald/Marlite Conference Center, Sugarcreek, OH.

All around the world, growing urban populations are seeking community spacesparks, victory gardens, greenways and gardensas essential components of daily life, places of reflection, recreation, and celebration.

This symposium will examine timeless principles of designwhether applied to the creation of a residential garden or a public spacethat connect us to the natural world and in so doing, fulfill our desire’s for association with our surrounding environment. The symposium, hosted by April Showers Greenhouse, honoring the educators of the USDA, Ohio State University and the Ohio Farm Bureau, leaders in the field of Horticulture, by engaging the public in a conversation about the importance of growing fruit and vegetable gardens with the value and ideals to the beautiful things that grow in abundance around us.

Internationally recognized researcher and grower Peter Konjoian PhD. will discuss encouraging trends that are appearing, trends that are revitalizing locally grown, fresh produce, meat, and ornamentals. Urban gardening, organic gardening, roof top gardening, and restaurant menus built around in season products all signal success in this refocusing of effort.

Ralph Keefe, a regionally known plant and propagation specialist, will introduce unusual plants that work together effectively for containers and small spaces.

Tim Sigrist, the state’s best known compost producer will discuss composting as nature's process of recycling decomposed organic materials into rich soil.

Mid West’s’ certified organic produce grower Ruth Ham will speak on designing vegetable gardens for effective canning and preserving needs, and Huron’s finest herb grower,

Karen Langen will be teaching the traditions of culinary and medicinal herbs.

All while being accompanied by two of the finest dining restaurants in the region area. McDonald Marlight Center’s Chef Cameron and Lighthouse Bistro’s Chef Stephan who will be giving demonstrations on the details of gourmet cooking from the fruits and labor of you own backyards.$155 per person ($180 after 1/1); Prices include the conference and trade show, a one night stay, dinner, breakfast, lunch, and an evening of panel discussions with regionally known growers, designers, and educators. For the gardener who cannot devote the time to attend a two-day course away from home, a short courses has been developed by April Showers Greenhouse to provide instruction in basic gardening practices. $75 per person, $50.00 seniors and students.

The Midwest Garden Symposium and Organic Vegetable Conference is designed to give basic information to novice as well as experienced gardeners. It is hoped the course will attract both garden club members and community residents. Contact: Ruth Ham (330) 473-8603 for additional information.

Tuesday & Wednesday, January 25 & 26:

2011 Ohio Farm Management Conference sponsored by Ohio State University Extension and OSU's Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics at the University Plaza Hotel, Columbus, OH. Six general sesssions are offered covering topics such as employee management, farm transition planning, the perception of agriculture, and agricultural and environmental policy. Registration is $75 per person and $60 per additional employee or family member paid before January 7 (after Jan. 7 the fee is $125/person and $100 per additional employee or family member. Registration includes meals, conference proceedings, and conference parking. For additional information and to register, visit: http://ohioagmanager.osu.edu/2011-ohio-farm-management-conference/ or contact John Yost at 740-335-1150 or via e-mail: yost.77@osu.edu

Saturday & Sunday, February 19 & 20:

The 32nd Annual Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA) Conference - Inspiring Farms, Sustaining Communities featuring keynote speakers, Klaas and Mary-Howell Martens, organic farmers since 1993 and owners and operator's of New York's only dedicated organic feed mill and organic seed operation and Joan Dye Gussow author of several books, including This Organic Life and most recently, Growing Older. For more information, including the schedule and a listing of workshops and to register, visit: http://www.oeffa.org/conference2011.php

Monday & Tuesday, February 21 - 22:

2011 Ohio Grape and Wine Conference at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, OH 43210

The Ohio Grape & Wine Conference (OG&WC) will take place on February 21-22, 2011 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the Ohio State University campus in Columbus. The conference is jointly organized by the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) and the Viticulture & Enology Program at OSU. The 2010 conference consists of both general and concurrent sessions covering a wide range of interesting topics for grape growers and winemakers. A focus on OSU/OARDC research trials in viticulture, plant pathology, entomology, weed science and enology will be presented at this year’s conference from our instate specialists sharing their knowledge and expertise through presentations in their respective disciplines. In addition, we are excited that Dr. Richard Carey will join us as a featured speaker in the enology section covering essential topics of interest for both new and established wineries. Several other excellent presenters in enology will help round out an excellent enology program. Along with the technical sessions, an expanded two-day Trade Show with both vineyard and winery equipment and services will be featured. A New Grower and Winery Workshop has been specially developed in addressing critical needs for our increasing number of new growers and wineries in the state today. Special events include a Monday Ohio Wine Reception and banquet featuring exquisite entrees paired with OQW wines, an after banquet social time and a plated lunch with Ohio Wine Competition Best of Show award-winners. For more information, visit: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/grapeweb/images/2011_OG&WC_Registration_Material_.pdf

Saturday, February 26:

Innovative Farmers of Ohio’s Annual Conference at Hiram College

Innovative Farmers of Ohio is dedicated to promoting through research, education, and community building activites an agriculture tht preserves and strengthens the economic, social and environmental well-being of Ohio’s farms, farm families, and rural communities and protects and improves the health and productivity of Ohio’s lands and waterways.

This year’s keynote address will be given by Susan Beal, DVM, who is a staff member at PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture) and Bob Perry from the University of Kentucky will be presenting his "Retail and Restaurant Ready" program. In addition, three successful Ohio farmers will share their stories.

For more information or to register, visit IFO’s http://www.ifoh.org/?page_id=13

On-Going Events/Multiple Offerings

OSU Extension/OSIA to Hold Sheep and Goat Programs This Winter

Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association is offering district sheep and goat programs throughout Ohio this winter, as well as a Sheep and Goat Production School in Athens.

Meeting fees may apply; contact the OSU Extension educator listed for information.

Upcoming Sessions:

Jan. 31, Woodsfield. "Minerals and Vitamins for Sheep and Goats," 7 p.m., Monroe County Court House, 101 North Main St., Woodsfield. Contact Steve Schumacher, Belmont Co. Extension educator, 740-695-1455, or Mark Landefeld, Monroe County Extension educator, 740-472-0810.

Feb. 16, Piketon. "Internal Parasite Management in Sheep and Goat Flocks" and "Developing a Flock and Herd Vaccination Program," 7 p.m., OSU South Centers, Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Road, Piketon. Contact Jeff Fisher, Pike County Extension educator, 740-947-2121.

Feb. 17, Hamilton. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages" and "Predator Control," meal at 6:30 p.m., reservations required by Feb. 10, (bring covered dish, lamb provided); Butler County OSU Extension Office, 1802 Princeton Road, Hamilton. Contact Cindy Meyer, Butler County Extension educator, 513-887-3722.

Feb. 22, Burton. "Ecology and Management of Coyotes and Other Predators," 7 p.m., Geauga County Extension Office, Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd, Burton. Contact Les Ober, Geauga County Extension program assistant, 440-834-4656.

Feb. 24, Mt. Hope. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages," meal at 5:30 p.m., $15 (reservations required by Feb. 19); program at 6 p.m., Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, 8101 State Route 241, Mt. Hope. Contact Dianne Shoemaker, Wayne County Extension educator, 330-264-8722.

March 8, Findlay. "Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages," 7 p.m., Hancock County Extension Office, 7868 CR 140, Findlay. Contact Gary Wilson, Hancock County Extension educator, 419-422-3851.

March 14, Zanesville. "Lamb and Goat Carcass Evaluation," 7 p.m., Muskingum County Extension Office, 225 Underwood St., Zanesville. Contact Mark Mechling, Muskingum County Extension educator, 740-454-0144, or Howard Siegrist, Licking County Extension educator, 740-349-6900.

In addition to the District Sheep and Goat Program series, OSU Extension and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association will also offer a Buckeye Hills Region Sheep and Goat Production School in Athens. The series will take place on Tuesday evenings, Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Athens County Extension office, 280 West Union St. Registration is $35 per person or couple if they share materials. For more information, contact Rory Lewandowski at 740-593-8555.

More information, as well as changes and updates to the programs, can be found at http://www.ohiosheep.org, or by contacting Roger A. High, OSU Extension sheep program specialist and OSIA executive director, at 614-246-8299 or rhigh@ofbf.org.

On-Going 8 Week Program in Several Locations Starting in January 2011

The Southern Ohio New and Small Farm College is an 8-week program that introduces new and seasoned farmers to a wide variety of agricultural production topics to help them diversify and explore new enterprises and new markets. The program teaches participants how to set goals, plan, budget, and where to find resources available to help start a small farm operation. The course will layout how to manage financial and farm records. Extension educators will illustrate many different enterprises that can be profitable on land as small as one acre. A bus tour is included to visit are farms and to see first hand how small farm life works and to assist in making contacts with practicing farmers in the area. Previous Southern Ohio New and Small Farm Colleges have helped 420 individuals representing 338 farms from 43 Ohio counties improve economic development of their small family owned farms.

Registration is $150 per person and $50 for each additional family member. Registration is limited to the first 50 participants per location. Registration fee includes resource materials, a soil test, refreshments and a bus tour. For more information, contact Tony Nye at 937-382-0901 or e-mai: nye.1@osu.edu or visit: http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2011-small-farm or http://clinton.osu.edu/events/2011-new-and-small-farm-college-classes .

Annie’s Project Workshops set for 2011

Women in agriculture who are interested in taking a more active role in farm operations may sign up for Annie's Project, a multi-part risk-management course offered by Ohio State University Extension.

Since OSU Extension began offering Annie's Project in 2007, 282 women have completed the program in 14 Ohio workshops. It has gotten wide support not only from participants, but agricultural lenders, agribusinesses, ag service providers and agricultural organizations, which have provided information, class instructors and sponsorship for the workshops. Annie's Project is designed to strengthen women's role in modern farm enterprises, Woodruff said. The project's namesake was a woman who grew up in a small rural community and spent her adult life learning how to be an involved, successful business partner with her husband. Annie's daughter, Ruth Hambleton, became an Extension educator in Illinois and developed the program in 2000 in honor of her mother's life experience, and it's currently offered in 22 states. Annie's Project focuses on five broad aspects of risk management typical in the agricultural setting: human, financial, marketing, production and legal.

To register or for more information, contact the local organizers listed below or one of Ohio's Annie's Project coordinators: Julia Woodruff at woodruff.94@osu.edu or 419-627-7631, or Doris Herringshaw at herringshaw.1@osu.edu or 419-354-9050. Cost for the workshop is $65 per person. Seating is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Upcoming workshops are planned for:

Wood County (Erie Basin Extension Education and Research Area). Mondays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 31 to Feb. 28. Contact Doris Herringshaw at herringshaw.1@osu.edu or 419-354-9050.

Wyandot County (Erie Basin EERA). Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 5 to Feb. 9. Contact Chris Bruynis at bruynis.1@osu.edu or 419-294-4931.

Morgan/Washington counties (Buckeye Hills EERA). Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from March 31 to May 5. Contact Chris Penrose at penrose.1@osu.edu or 740-962-4854 or Eric Barrett at barrett.90@osu.edu or 740-376-7431.

Montgomery County (Miami Valley EERA). Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, from Feb. 5 to Feb. 19. Contact Suzanne Mills-Wasniak at mills-wasniak.1@osu.edu or 937-224-9654.

Fulton County (Maumee Valley EERA). Dates to be announced. Contact Cheryl Spires at spires.53@osu.edu or 419-337-9210.

Fayette County (Miami Valley EERA). Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., from Jan. 20 to Feb. 24. Contact John Yost at yost.77@osu.edu or 740-335-1150.

Tuscarawas County (Crossroads EERA). Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., from Feb. 8 to March 15. Contact Chris Kendle at kendle.4@osu.edu or 330-339-2337.

In addition, OSU Extension will be offering financial risk management workshops for women in agriculture. The Farm Finance for Women workshops are designed as a "next step" for women who have participated in Annie's Project, but will be open to anyone. More information will be available on OSU Extension's Ohio Ag Manager website http://ohioagmanager.osu.edu/ as it becomes available.

Webinar Series Offered for Specialty Crop Producers, January - March 2011

Registration is now open for a three part webinar series designed for specialty crop farmers. Individual sessions will address advanced production techniques, season extension, and market connections. The webinars are being offered by the Countryside Conservancy and the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA).

These free, web-based seminars deliver training through the internet directly to a participant’s computer. They will be able to view the presentation through their internet browser and listen to the audio portion through a call in phone number. The sessions will be interactive and allow participants to ask questions and communicate with the presenter. Each webinar will be recorded and available on the Countryside Conservancy and OEFFA websites afterwards.

- The first webinar titled, “Improving Efficiency on your Organic Farm,” will be held Monday, January 31, 2011 at from 7-8 p.m (EST). Two successful organic vegetable producers will lead this webinar: Jon Cherniss of Blue Moon Farm in Illinois and Jim Crawford of New Morning Farm in Pennsylvania. Each of these farmers has over three decades of experience growing and marketing certified organic produce. They will describe how they have improved the efficiency of their farm operations by hiring and managing labor and by carefully evaluating and investing in capital improvements like buildings and machinery. To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/178199998.

- The second webinar titled, “Building Mutually Profitable Relationships with Independent Chefs and Restauranteurs,” will be led by Chef Douglas Katz from Fire Food and Drink located in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It will be held at 10 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, February 24, 2011. As a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and a passionate “locavore,” Chef Katz will give participants a first-hand look into how farmers can connect with restaurants in their area. He’ll take participants through the entire process, from approaching a restaurant, to providing samples, the ordering process, customer service expectations, and average volumes of produce ordered in a typical week. Chef Katz was most recently noted in Crains Cleveland Business as a “Who’s Who, 150 names to know in Northeast Ohio.” To register, go to: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/247897358.

- Our third and final webinar in the series titled, “Effective Weed Management Strategies for Organic Farming Systems” will be led by Dr. Matt Liebman, Henry A. Wallace Chair for Sustainable Agriculture at Iowa State University. This webinar will be held in March; details, including the date, time, and registration link to be announced.

Registration for each webinar is limited to 50 participants. There is no charge to participate, but pre-registration is required. Partial funding for this webinar series is provided through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Block Grant. For more information, contact Rebecca Cole at (330) 657-2542 or rcole@cvcountryside.org or Mike Anderson at (614) 421-2022 or mike@oeffa.org.

Ohio Farm Bureau Grow and Know Series Announced

The 2011 Grow and Know series features events being coordinated or sponsored by county Farm Bureaus. The Grow & Know series will offer something for everyone, including a guided tour of the West Side Market with the Cuyahoga County Farm Bureau and Marilou Suszko. To learn more, visit: http://ourohio.org/resources/grow-and-know/

Announcements/Opportunities

Mantis and National Gardening Association Offer Mantis Awards for Community and Youth Gardening Projects

Each year, Mantis, a maker of garden tools, and the National Gardening Association present the Mantis Awards to charitable and educational garden projects working to enhance the quality of life in their host communities. Any nonprofit garden program may apply. In the past, winners have included schools, churches, correctional facilities, parks departments, youth camps, community gardens, and many others.

To be eligible, applicants must operate a charitable or educational program that is not-for-profit in the United States.

Twenty-five programs will be selected to receive a Mantis tiller/cultivator with border/edger and kickstand, as well as their choice of gas-powered two-cycle engine or electric motor. Deadline: March 1, 2011

Visit the NGA Kids Gardening Web site for complete program guidelines - http://assoc.garden.org/grants/

Market Master for the Olde Worthington Farmers Market

Salary: 11,000 – 13,000 per year

Hours: Part-time position (minimum of 10 hours/week)

Expected to be at all markets: Summer 7:30 am – 12:30 pm, Winter 8:30 am – 2 pm

Supervisor: Olde Worthington Business Association Executive Director

The Olde Worthington Farmers Market is a project of the Olde Worthington Business Association ( www.owba.net). The summer market was established in 1987 and is one of the largest and most respected markets in Ohio. Over 70 vendors participate in the market which is held in downtown Worthington on Saturday mornings from 9-noon from May through October. The winter market was established in 2007 and hosts over 20 vendors on Saturdays from 10-1 on one Saturday in November, one Saturday in December and every Saturday January through April. The Old Worthington Farmers Market Friends is a group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the Farmers Market experience by promoting healthy, locally produced food and products, providing education on healthy living, eating locally and sustainably, and strengthening our bonds as a community.

For job description, qualifications and application instructions, visit: http://www.owba.net/Job-Description-farmers-market-master.pdf

Application due: February 11, 2011

Farmers Market Manager sought in Cincinnati

The Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM) is hiring a Farmers and Outdoor Markets Manager. CFFM is the non-profit management company for Cincinnati's 158 year old historic public market. The public market operates year round and is home to about three dozen full-time businesses. The public market also hosts seasonal farmers markets on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays and a vibrant street market. Seventy-five farmers, crafters, and local food producers participated in Findlay Market's farmers markets and sixty-nine vendors participated in its street market during 2010.

The Farmers and Outdoor Markets Manager is a full-time, year round position with benefits. It has direct responsibility for managing all part-time and seasonal vending at Findlay Market, including day lease, outdoor market, and farmers market merchants and operations. The position assists the Operations Director with increasing the size, quality, and profitability of Findlay Market's outdoor and farmers markets by recruiting new vendors, expanding the mix and quality of products available, and improving market operations to assure a positive shopping experience for customers and a financially rewarding experience for part-time and seasonal merchants.

Position Requirements include supervisory or management experience, strong verbal communications skills, PC skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office, knowledge of food and farm products, the ability to work weekends and occasional evenings, and a valid drivers license. The candidate hired must pass a pre-employment drug test.

Please send a cover letter and resume to:

The Corporation for Findlay Market

P.O. Box 14727

Cincinnati, OH 45250-0727

Mark Your Calendars

Wednesday, March 30:

Farm to School Conference at The Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115. The conference will include:

- Market Connection Trade Show: Producers, distributors, food service staff and buyers from around the state will have the opportunity to network and develop new relationships.

- Interactive workshops and sessions covering a wide range of topics including: ways to build and expand your farm to school program; ways to connect schools and local farms; youth food production, school gardens, food safety; curriculum, health and nutrition, farm to JVS and farm to college.

- All day exhibitor fair featuring practical resources for beginning and expanding farm to school programs

To view the on-line registration form or the conference brochure, visit the Cuyahoga County Board of Health's website: http://www.ccbh.net/ccbh/opencms/CCBH/index.html

grant and workshop available

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:28:00 +0000

The Franklin County Neighborhood Arts grant provides funding for community-based arts projects taking place throughout Franklin County. The program is designed to support community participation in the arts, and funds a wide variety of projects, from choral concerts to art therapy workshops. Organizations of all kinds (including, but not limited to, amateur arts groups, community centers, social services agencies, schools, neighborhood associations, and cultural organizations) are encouraged to apply.
Grants of up to $2,000 are awarded three times per year. The application deadline for the next round of grants is February 28, 2011. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of two upcoming application workshops. Workshops will be held Tuesday, January 25th from 2-3 p.m. at the King Arts Complex, and Thursday, January 27th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at GCAC. Call GCAC at 221-8625 to RSVP.
More information about the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts grant is available on the Greater Columbus Arts Council’s website at www.gcac.org.

Burpee Announces 2011 'I Can Grow' Youth Garden Award

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 19:35:00 +0000

Applications are being accepted now for this expanded urban school and community garden program.
Burpee Home Gardens is now accepting applications for the 2011 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Award. An extension of last year’s “I Can Grow” program, the Youth Garden Award is intended to sponsor and support urban school and community gardens in cities across the United States in 2011.
The 2011 “I Can Grow” Youth Garden Awards will be presented to established or start-up programs that demonstrate well-developed and staffed plans for a youth-centered educational program, with an emphasis on:
Nutrition and food production
Environmental awareness
Social responsibility, and
Scholastic integration
The 2011 program will continue the theme Burpee Home Gardens established in 2010.
“We launched the ‘I Can Grow’ program last year to support home vegetable gardening among younger and novice gardeners, and we were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and support we experienced,” said George Ball, chairman and CEO of the W. Atlee Burpee Company.
Those selected will be awarded up to 500 vegetable and herb plants and $2,500 in garden supplies. They also will receive:
On-site assistance for initial garden layout and installation from Burpee experts
Five gallons of Daniels Plant Food (a sustainable fertilizer) and one hose-end sprayer
A Flip™ camera to document the garden’s progress throughout the year
Educators and community garden leaders can visit www.burpeehomegardens.com to download the application and review eligibility requirements. All entries must be postmarked by Friday, Dec. 3, 2010.

Are you a Green Columbus work site?

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:44:00 +0000

I'm writing to you today on behalf of Green Columbus. I am the Worksite Coordinator for the Earth Day 2010 events and I want to pass along some highlights of our Community Garden Initiative in hopes that you'll be able to help me disseminate the information to all the Community Gardens around town!
Our website has lots of information about our festivities this year, and specifically, here is a link to our Community Garden Initiative page http://update2010.org/elements/community-garden.php. This year, Kurtz Brothers has agreed to be our sponsor and provide registered community gardens with free top soil and/or mulch! What a great deal for new and in need gardens!? They need to be a registered Earth Day 2010 worksite in order to reap the benefits, so would you be able to help us spread the word?

Missy Hintz
Worksite CoordinatorThe Update: Earth Day 2010
c: 614.354.9351
e: missy@greencbus.org www.update2010.org

'Seeds that Grow Hope'

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Greetings! Spring is upon us! This year we are celebrating 30 years of planting the Seed that Grow Hope!! Many of you have already sent in your applications for seeds and now that the snows have melted and we once again have access to our warehouse, we are working at a furious rate to catch up on getting your seeds shipped out. Please be patient with us! Applications started coming in early and fast this year and we have a hefty back log of requests to get on the UPS truck. We know how important timing is in the garden so volunteers are packing up and sending out your seeds as fast as possible.If you have not sent in your application yet, the 2010 form is now available on our website.We love to hear your stories and get pictures of your community in the garden so keep 'em coming!
Wishing you a blooming Spring and a bountiful harvest,
Katie Rehwaldt
'Seeds that Grow Hope'
Program Director
Operation Green Plant

Click Here to help us plant the 'Seeds that Grow Hope'

Kurtz Cares Program

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:39:00 +0000

*Kurtz Cares! Enroll your Non-Profit organization at www.kurtzcares.com. Earn 10% proceeds back to the organization.

Kurtz Bros is a family owned business that has been in operation for over 65 years. The hard work and charitable values instituted by Mel Kurtz Sr. are still at the core of the business today. The Kurtz family strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which they operate.

We understand that in these difficult economic times it’s becoming harder to raise money for valuable programs that are essential for so many in our community. That is why Kurtz Bros is proud to introduce the Kurtz Cares program. This program will allow non profit entities such as; Religious, scholastic and athletic boosters, disease research and support foundations, veteran affairs, animal and environmental welfare organizations and juvenile development groups to earn funds for their cause with every dollar spent with Kurtz Bros.

The program is simple and free to join. An officer of an organization simply needs to fill out the online registration form. Once approved, the organization will be listed on our website. In addition, they will receive promotional materials to use in marketing the program to others. Organizations are encouraged to communicate the program details to their members, family and friends through conventional and contemporary social media outlets. The more people you reach, the more money you can raise. An organization will receive a 10% rebate for every retail material dollar spent at any of our locations. A customer simply needs to mention the organization they would like to support at the time of their purchase. Every 3 months Kurtz Bros. will total the sales for each participating organization and write them a check for 10% of the total retail material purchases.

At Kurtz Bros we recognize the value in giving back to the community. A strong community provides more opportunities and better quality of life for its residents. It’s for all these reasons and more that Kurtz Cares.

Jeff Stemler, our Director of Human Resources, is overseeing the program.

Looking for a Garden Plot this Season?

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:07:00 +0000

Gantz Road Community Garden

1972 Gantz Rd.
FranklinCountyOhio.gov/CommunityGarden
614-462-3322
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that the Gantz Road Community Garden is ready for its second growing season. The garden, located at 1972 Gantz Road on the southwest side of Columbus (near the intersection of Gantz and Frank Roads), is expected to open on Saturday, April 17th.

Plot request applications are being accepted through March 22. Approximately 60 plots will be available. Plot recipients will be determined by a lottery system and notified of plot assignment and size on April 1. The number of each plot size will be limited and requests will be assigned based on availability.

Plot sizes and fees are: Third (12’x10’) – $10; Half (18’x10’) – $20; Full (36’X10’) – $30

Garden fees include: plot(s) for the 2010 growing season (April 17 – October 31), on-site water for garden use & access during daylight hours

In order to request a plot, a completed Plot Request Form may be submitted electronically at www.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/CommunityGarden, fax to (614) 462-5999, or mail to:

Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Attn: Garden Coordinator
373 S High Street-26th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Once gardeners are notified of their plot assignment, payment of plot fees and a signed Release of All Claims form must be received before their plot is confirmed.
Make checks payable to: Franklin County Sanitary Engineer. Some scholarships are available. Contact the Garden Coordinator via email at CommunityGarden@FranklinCountyOhio.gov for more information.

Sundays In November at the Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden Campus

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:16:00 +0000

Come on out to the new Community Garden Campus for cooking demonstrations and tastings from the Live Fire Cooking Theater on Sundays in November! Jim Budros, Grillmaster and Owner of City Barbeque is passionate about wood fired cooking, will be heading up the demos from Noon to 2pm each Sunday in November. These demos are FREE for members or with admission to the Conservatory. There is a small charge $3 for the 'make your own' pizza on the 8th.

Sunday, Nov. 1: Wood-oven Pizza Nepolatana Vera ( the real pizza of Naples) and camp-fire Jambalaya
Sunday, Nov. 8: Make your own wood-oven pizza, String roast (at the Rumford fireplace - a la ficelle) leg of lamb and wood-oven roasted fall root vegetables
Sunday, Nov. 22: Texas Chile and Dutch oven corn bread
Sunday, Nov. 29: Argentine beef and vegetable stew in a wood-oven roasted pumpkin (Carbonada).

On the 15th, Bill Dawson will be holding a Loofah Gourd workshop from 11am-12:30 in the Education Pavilion on the Campus. see further info below.

‘Let’s Talk Loofahs’

Growing loofah sponges can be a fun and rewarding project if you have bit of unused space in your garden or on a fence. A loofah sponge as it is commonly known is actually a plant seed pod. The loofah has many names, both common and scientific. It is known as smooth luffa, loofah sponge, loofa, loufa, luffa, sponge gourd, Chinese okra, elephant okra, dishrag gourd, and many other common names.

Bill Dawson, Growing to Green Coordinator, will share his hobby of growing and processing loofah gourds or ‘gifts from the garden’.
You will learn how to start these plants early indoors, proper transplanting techniques, trellising, harvesting and drying methods.
For $3.00 participants will receive a finished sponge and some seeds to take home to try on their own!

When: Sunday, November 15th, 11:00am-12:30pm
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory Community Garden Campus in
the Education Pavilion
Free with admission to the Conservatory

I hope to see you all there!!

Bill

2009 Growing to Green Awards winners and event photos

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:39:00 +0000

Hello All,
You must take a few minutes to look at these photos of the Growing to Green Awards ceremony held at Franklin Park on 9/10/09.
It is my favorite event of the year, a time when we can truly recognize the efforts of the groups and individuals for all they do in our communities.

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees!!

http://www.photobygillilan.com/2009/GTG-2009/welcome.htm

Bill

Urban Homesteading Lecture at FPC

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:20:00 +0000

The Franklin Park Conservatory Presents

Urban Homesteading
Presentations and panel discussion.

OCTOBER 3,
2 - 3 P.M.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Community Garden Campus
AEP Foundation Education Pavilion
FREE WITH ADMISSION

Learn from a panel of local residents how they transformed
their homes into areas of urban agriculture.

1777 East Broad Street Columbus, Ohio 43203
www.fpconservatory.com
further info: 645.5863

Community garden grant due soon!

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:43:00 +0000

THE SCOTTS MIRACLE-GRO COMPANY AND THE COLUMBUS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY GARDEN

ScottsMiracle-Gro program enters its eighth year of funding support for community gardens
COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 21, 2009)—The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and The Columbus Foundation today announce grant opportunities available through The Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Garden Academy for neighborhoods developing and maintaining community gardens in Franklin County. Grants of up to $4,000 are available for qualified projects in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Contributions will be made in part by in-kind gifts from The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company established The Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Garden Academy in 2002 through The Columbus Foundation to support a variety of community garden projects in central Ohio. The Academy promotes a “brown to green” concept that creates an oasis and communal gathering place for neighborhoods. “The community gardening movement continues to grow across the United States, enhancing our environment, and uniting communities,” said Rich Shank, chief environmental officer, ScottsMiracle-Gro. “ScottsMiracle-Gro is proud to support the creation of community gardens throughout central Ohio.” Applicants may request support for community gardens or nontraditional gardens, including farmers’ markets, school gardens, artistic gardens, and beautification efforts in the form of a garden. Funding is available to new and existing gardens; grants awarded may include in-kind support. Successful garden projects should involve neighborhood residents, demonstrate positive measurable outcomes, and meet stated objectives. Applicants are required to be a 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal agent to receive funds. Click to download the garden application or please visit www.columbusfoundation.org, search keyword—Specialized Grants. Garden applications must be submitted electronically to submit@columbusfoundation.org by Friday, October 16, 2009, 11:59 p.m.
For additional grant information, visit our Grants Opportunities section at www.columbusfoundation.org. Questions, please contact Lisa Courtice at lcourtice@columbusfoundation.org or 614/251-4000.

Soil Testing By OSU Student Extraordinaire

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:22:00 +0000

http://digitalunion.osu.edu/r2/summer09/mason/

Check out this beautiful and informative website by OSU chemistry student, Tori Mason. She tested soil in the University Area community gardens for lead. She lists the results as well as important information regarding heavy metals and community gardens that everyone should read.

This work is a fantastic example of partnerships between community gardens and universities. Connections like this are waiting to be made!

Growing to Green Awards

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Deadline Extended until Friday August 28th @ 5pm. Please nominate your garden project this week!!

Hello Community Gardeners,

I hope that you are enjoying the fruits of your labor from your gardening projects this season. Now it’s time to be recognized for all of your efforts.

Franklin Park Conservatory is proud to present the 2009 Growing to Green Awards, honoring community gardeners for improving neighborhoods across the region. An awards ceremony will be held at Franklin Park Conservatory on September 10, 2009 from 6 – 9 p.m. to recognize the dedication and hard work of many central Ohio communities and individuals while furthering Growing to Green’s objective of promoting participation in city beautification and community gardening. Cash awards go to the winning entries!
Applications will be accepted from all citizens of the greater Columbus area who wish to receive recognition or who want to nominate a group or individual for their participation in exceptional community gardening or neighborhood beautification projects. Judges from the community will be chosen by the Conservatory and will review all submissions. All entries must be received at the address below no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2009:
Franklin Park Conservatory
2009 Growing to Green Awards
c/o Bill Dawson, Program Coordinator
1777 East Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43203-2040
CLICK HERE to download an entry form.
(Print and complete this entry form, include disk of images and bring in or mail in. You may email digital images to Bill Dawson marked Growing to Green Awards photos to bdawson@fpconservatory.org )
Review all of the categories to see where your nominated project fits best. In addition to community recognition for outstanding efforts, cash prizes are awarded to the winners to help sustain their gardens.
I look forward to receiving your application and seeing you at the awards ceremony on September 10 at Franklin Park Conservatory,
Bill

Community Garden Basil Festival

noreply@blogger.com ()))-----> Bill) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:27:00 +0000

Come and enjoy the Basil Festival at the St. Agnes Gardens, behind St. Agnes Church. The date is Saturday, August 22 and it starts at 10 and runs until 6.
There are no parking or entrance fees.

The address is 2364 W. Mound St. There will be basil products offered for sale, along with several craft tables. Almost on a half hour basis there will be free garden events or programs to choose from. These include herbal healing, entomology, butterflies, composting, worm composting, grafting, bees, basil tastings, pesto making demos., and garden scavenger hunts.

We have three garden sections to visit, the Head Start Garden, the Neighborhood Kid's Garden, and the main garden area.

The Fire Safety House, garden craft tables, face painting, bounce house, and snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy will be provided free of charge to all children who attend.

Thanks so much,
Marilyn Wilson
St. Agnes Gardens

City Farm Fresh! Local Cut Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Liz) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Uplift your spirit! Love your Neighbor! Support Urban Beautification!

Greetings Columbus Gardeners! Four Seasons City Farm is excited to offer beautiful, colorful, locally grown cut flowers. Bouquets range in price from a $7-20 donation. Flowers can be ordered by calling 614.252.2237.

City Farm gets FRESH!

Christopher's new art form

We have a wide variety and amazing color selection

Our flowers are grown at Sunflower Alley, a Garden of Four Seasons City Farm located in the Near East Side on the corner of Bryden and Ohio.

We have over 20 different varieties of flowers

Four Season's City Farm is a non-profit organization dedicated to revolutionary food production and community-building projects in and around the near eastside of Columbus.

Glen Echo: 'Pocket neighborhood'

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:36:00 +0000

Residents around Glen Echo Ravine love their little urban oasis but worry that they lack the clout to protect it
Monday, July 13, 2009 3:04 AM
By Mark Ferenchik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Glen Echo Ravine might be among Columbus' underappreciated assets, a green and inviting getaway that winds below a sometimes loud and belligerent city.
While a nearby train horn bellows and a jet angling for a Port Columbus landing roars overhead, a visitor can descend into a little tranquillity, wandering an area that looks more like the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania than tabletop central Ohio.
It's a big reason that people have chosen to live nearby. But its seclusion also has led some to believe that neighborhood leaders and City Hall don't listen to their needs.
"It shows distinctly how isolated we are," said Martha Buckalew, a longtime neighborhood leader who helped lead an unsuccessful effort two years ago to break away from the University Area Commission and join the Clintonville Area Commission.
That idea seems to be dead for now. The University Area Commission would have to dissolve and reconstitute itself for Glen Echo to leave. And Clintonville Area Commissioner Mike McLaughlin said there doesn't seem to be the political will.
In addition, a big issue -- a leaking, smelly sanitary sewer line through the ravine -- seems to have been resolved. The city just spent $2.5 million to reline the 1928-era sewer and replace manholes that erupted during heavy rainstorms.
The homes are from roughly the same era, clustered along the south edge of the ravine in a tree-filled neighborhood where Ohio State University professors and employees live along with other professionals, retirees and some students.
Christopher O'Leary, who lives there, said Glen Echo's character -- its house styles, the high percentage of homeowners versus renters -- reminds him more of Clintonville than the University District.
O'Leary, a freelance illustrator who grew up in Youngstown, called it an old-fashioned neighborhood where people sit on their front porches.
"We love this neighborhood," he said. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 after residents petitioned for it because they wanted to discourage people from demolishing houses, said Therese Nolan, a resident who worked for the designation.
"It's just a dear little enclave," she said. "It was really a 1920 streetcar-commuter neighborhood."
The Columbus Real Estate and Improvement Co. bought 47 acres in 1908 at what was then the city's northern edge. The city annexed the land in 1910, and developers marketed it as a scenic area connected to the city by streetcar. "My husband calls it a pocket neighborhood," said Amy Youngs, a California native who moved to the Glen Echo neighborhood from the Short North five years ago.
The ravine is the big feature that attracts home buyers.
You can't drive into the ravine. Gates and posts block cars from entering.
A creek winds along the path. There's little litter and only a smattering of graffiti under the Arcadia Avenue and Indianola Avenue bridges, where the city demonstrated its anti-graffiti cameras two years ago.
In 1999, the Friends of the Ravine began restoring the north slope.
Julie Boyland remembers the ravine as pristine when she and her husband bought their Glenmawr Avenue house for $11,000 in 1965. About the same time, I-71 was being built nearby, bringing a stream of pollution into the ravine's creek.
Since then, officials and residents have worked to try to keep it clean.
Some homes in the neighborhood now go for more than $200,000.
"Our neighborhood is a stable neighborhood," Buckalew said.
Folks come together to care for neighborhood gardens.
One is a flower garden in the median of N. 4th Street. Another is on a hillside overlooking 4th and Hudson streets. The community garden began this year with 37 folks taking care of individual plots of tomatoes and peppers, radishes and lettuce.
Some of the food is donated to a local pantry for the needy, said Trish Dehnbostel, a manager for Local Matters, a nonprofit group that promotes locally grown food.
Nelson Jeck gave the group permission to put the garden plots on his property. He runs a company that makes plastic bottles in an old interurban car barn.
Barrels around the building that can hold 3,000 gallons collect rain and ground water to irrigate the plants.
"I just come out and steal the tomatoes," Jeck joked.
mferenchik@dispatch.com

Simply Living Garden Bike Ride

noreply@blogger.com (meredith) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:36:00 +0000

Friends of Simply Living will host a leisurely bike ride to two Clintonville residents' permaculture gardens on Thursday, August 13 from 7-9pm. The group will meet for the ride at the Whetstone Park parking lot, in front of large shelter house, from which it will depart southward on the Olentangy Bike Path to the homes at 268 and 274 W. Como. Inspiring conversation will include super energy efficient homes, plant guilds, swales, beekeeping, and more! Call 447-0296 for more information.

Green Gardening and Pest Management Tips Available on EPA's Green Scene

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:27:00 +0000

EPA's latest Green Scene video podcast features "Green Gardening andPest Management." The video highlights ways consumers can control pestsin their lawns and gardens using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), aneffective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management thatrelies on a combination of common-sense practices. The video interviewwith the Biopesticides & Pollution Prevention Division of the Office ofPesticide Programs is also available in Spanish, and provides tips onhow to select a pest management company for the home and garden and howto use pesticides safely.
To view the video, visit www.epa.gov.

(Go to the "Multimedia" section onthe bottom right corner of the page and click on the "play" arrow underthe picture).