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...
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Transcript of 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...
F I V E R I V E R S M E T R O P A R K SF 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 CommunityCommunity Gardens: Growing a
Conservation-Minded Community
Land Re-use: Successes & ChallengesLand 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—Earth
Continuum
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/