GARDENING WITH A PURPOSE
July Updates from Michael Toso (2009)
Early on a Monday morning Peggy Carpenter is knocking on doors to wake up some groggy middle and high school students sleeping in on their summer vacations. Peggy, Zeigler's librarian, is rounding up young people who have expressed an interest in starting a youth garden. This morning these young people are traveling to one of Southern Illinois' only certified organic farms to get tips on starting their own garden.
At the first stop in Carbondale, the teens meet with myself and Jerry Bradley who is the Carbondale Neighborhood Co-Op's Outreach Coordinator. Jerry suggests touring a successful family organic farm for some pointers. The Brown farm is located in a forested area near Pomona, Illinois. Josh Brown and his family have farmed this land for nine years and his enthusiasm for sustainable agriculture shows. He explains to the group that organic farming is about growing food without the use of chemicals for pest control or fertilizers.
Josh takes them through patches of bell peppers, kale, tomatoes and garlic. The youth also learn how organic growing techniques yield healthier foods, is more friendly to the environment and generates more profits than modern commercial farming. Josh offered some potted plants for the young people to take back to their garden. At the end of the trip Jerry returns the students back to the Co-Op to serve lunch from all organic sources.
This connection between positive youth development and sustainable agriculture is clear. Youth interested in constructive outdoor activities and hobbies will learn useful skills that will stay with them throughout life and may open doors to careers and interests that normally would have remained foreign to them. The young gardeners plan to sell their produce at a farmer's market someday which is likely to spark some entrepreneurial spirit. The coal mining and light industry jobs may not always be around in these rural communities. Tomorrow's young adults need to know that they can contribute in meaningful ways that also help drive the local economy.
The youth garden offers time outdoors in the sunshine, mentoring opportunities with adult volunteers and master gardeners, and a sense of achievement and pride. For more information on this initiative or other asset building ideas for your community please vist our contact page and speak with coalition members!