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Biosphere Funding Increases Gardening Opportunities

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 14:12

The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve has received funding from Sobey’s Earth Day Canada Community Environment Fund to increase gardening opportunities and skill development in Parry Sound.  The program, titled “Growing Our Future” will support the extension of the community garden, six free hands-on gardening instructional workshops for adults and children in the community, a March Break "Kids Can Grow" gardening program, and the planting of a native wildlife demonstration garden.

 
“By learning how to grow food locally, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save money, and enjoy fresher healthier produce,” says Glenda Clayton of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.  “Residents who are connected to their land and food are more likely to care for the long-term health of their environment and community.”

The Parry Sound Community Garden, located on Waubeek Street, was created by Community Living in the spring of 2009 to provide residents in the area with a space to garden.  In its first season the garden was very successful at increasing gardening opportunities and providing fresh produce to the Harvest Share food bank.

The garden was divided into ten equal plots, with each plot given to an individual or group for the season to grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers.  Gardening tools, natural fertilizers, and a rain barrel were provided in the garden for all gardeners.  All community garden members agreed to donate a minimum of 20% of their produce grown on their plot to the Harvest Share Food Bank.

“The Parry Sound Community Garden’s success is due to the strong partnerships and commitment of area organizations and individuals.  Without each other the garden would not have happened,” says Courtney Norrie of Community Living.  “Utilizing garden for teaching through the Sobey’s grant will increase the knowledge and skills of gardening in the community and therefore will increase access to fresh produce.

Parry Sound Community Living and the Biosphere Action Group will work together with the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve to enhance gardening, learning and volunteer opportunities for all age groups in Parry Sound.  Free workshops planned for the 2010 season include: growing seedlings; starting a vegetable garden, caring for soil; composting and compost construction; rain barrel water collection and use; and planting native wildlife gardens in support of regional species at risk.

Important waste reduction techniques such as: composting, companion planting, and using natural fertilizers will also be taught in workshops and practiced in the community garden.  These techniques not only work to reduce waste, but also serve to nourish the soil, control pests and strengthen plants.  Click here for details on our free gardening workshops.

A gardening mentoring program will be organized through the community garden to connect beginner gardeners to experienced gardeners.  “There are many people in the community who want to get started with growing their own food but don’t know how to take the first step.  This program will help to support learning and the transfer of knowledge in an informal and relaxed way,” states Gloria Marshall of the Biosphere Action Group.

For elementary school students interested in gardening, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve will be offering a March Break “Kids Can Grow” program.

The eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay is home to over 30 threatened and endangered species in Canada.  Major causes of species decline in the region include: habitat loss due to increased shoreline development, increased vehicle traffic on roads, lakes and trails, and a general lack of acceptance of certain species, such as snakes.  The funding received from Sobey’s Earth Day Canada Fund will help to support regional species at risk through the planting of a native species wildlife garden.

Species at Risk coordinator Glenda Clayton states: “Two species of special concern, the monarch butterfly and the west virgina white butterfly can benefit from the planting of specific native species in our landscaping.  Not only will this benefit these two species but that of other species as well.  Another benefit of growing native plants is that they require less care, for example, they don’t need to be fertilized and watered as frequently as other plants, which is better for the environment.”

For more information on growing a native wildlife garden, or to find out about our upcoming gardening program, please contact the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve at: 774.0978 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .