Community Garden Workshop Offered Nov. 2 In Webb City

Missouri Extension Service

CARTHAGE -- A workshop for people interested in community gardens is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Nov. 2, at Central United Methodist Church, 5 S. Pennsylvania St., Webb City.

University of Missouri Extension is conducting the workshop. The fee for the workshop is $10 per person, and it includes the Community Garden Toolkit from the University of Missouri, educational sessions, and lunch.

The Community Garden Toolkit is an organizational device designed to prepare community garden leaders for their task, and provide a strategic plan for success.

"Whether a community garden is in the planning stage or already under way, the toolkit provides the steps, guidelines, and concepts which strengthen the community garden effort," said Robert Balek, horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Attendees will participate in a walk-through of the Community Garden Toolkit by its creator, William McKelvey of the University of Missouri.

For those considering starting a community garden as well as those already underway, the toolkit provides the opportunity to build an organized plan leading to success.

Topics addressed in the toolkit include "starting a community garden," "ten steps to success," "benefits of community gardening," "stories from experience" and more.

Other program speakers include Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist with MU Extension, who will be presenting on the topics of site selection and garden planning.

Lori Jones of the Joplin Food Access Network will describe the importance of community gardens in the local food supply. There will also be a round-table discussion with those currently doing community gardens.

An on-site tour of the community garden at Central United Methodist Church will be led by Pastor Clint Lambeth, who organized and manages the garden.

A beef stew lunch is included with the registration and provided courtesy of Central United Methodist Church and Webb City Farmers Market.

"Community gardens have many benefits including providing fresh food, flowers, and herbs to friends and neighbors. Community gardens also offer a chance to experience nature and provide opportunities for exercise," said Balek.

University of Missouri Extension is holding the workshop with cooperation from local partners, Central United Methodist Church, Joplin Food Access Network, and Webb City Farmers Market.

Information on this and other events can be found online at www.extension.missouri.edu/jasper. Call the Jasper County Extension office at 417-358-2158 to register for the program.

General News on 10/27/2016