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.

Community Gardens: Growing a Conservation-Minded Community

Land Re-use: Successes & Challenges

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.

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

Why MetroParks & Community Gardens?

Fit Mission, Vision & PurposeStrengthen connections between people &

natureFoster healthy & active lifestylesBuild fellowshipPromote conservation, increase

biodiversity

Food Security Improve access to nutritious foodCut grocery bills

Build community, meet neighbors Increase neighborhood involvementBuild leadership

A response to local needs Fit needs and desires of neighborhood: i.e.

allotment, youth plots, fruit trees, herb gardens, raised beds

Food Justice/Food Access

Chain Grocery

Small Grocer

Health Food

SchoolCommunity Garden

Montgomery Co Health

2011 National County Health Rankings

Out of 88 counties, Montgomery Co:68th for health outcomes45th for health factorsRanks low in many health

behaviors and social and economic factors

• 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

•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

City Beets 2012

Mentoring

Classes & Programs – check www.metroparks.org

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

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

“Lasagna” Beds

Raised & Accessible Beds

Container Gardening

Tilled Beds

Rainwater Harvesting

FRUIT: Natives & Cultivars

Serviceberries

Gooseberries

Persimmons

Pawpaws

Garden—Water—EarthContinuum

Protecting Ecological Integrity

• Sustainable cultivation methods

• Urban sprawl mitigation

• Green space creation

• Habitat gardening

• Increase biodiversity

• Reduce runoff

• Foster personal connection to nature

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

Backyard Habitat

Increasing Biodiversity

Reducing Chemical Input and Runoff

Addressing Urban Sprawl

Creating Green Space

Resources – www.metroparks.org

Food Systems• Grow With Your Neighbors

www.metroparks.org/gwyn• Youth Garden Club• City Beets www.metroparks.org/citybeets• Farm Life Bloghttp://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/farmlife• Food Atlashttp://maps.ers.usda.gov/FoodAtlas/• Am. Community Gdng Assnwww.communitygarden.org

Ecological Integrity• Backyard Habitathttp://www.metroparks.org/GetEducated/NaturalLandscapes.aspx• Certification w/ National Wildlife Federation http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife/Create-a-Habitat.aspx• Monarch Watchhttp://monarchwatch.org/waystations/• Audubon at Homehttp://athome.audubon.org/

Sustainable Methods

• Compost Kitchen• On-Farm Methodshttp://www.metroparks.org/Parks/PossumCreek/SustainableFarm.aspx• Service Learning Volunteer Training• ATTRAhttps://attra.ncat.org/