Urban Roots: Garden Leadership Training
Urban Roots Community Garden Leadership Program
Keep Growing Detroit is delighted to offer the Urban Roots Community Garden Training Program every fall. This six-week, hands-on course is for community leaders interested in starting and maintaining community gardens. The class supports students with practical skills and knowledge to launch and expand garden projects. During the course, students will receive one-on-one garden development support from KGD's staff to develop a personal garden portfolio and will also be connected to all of the amazing resources and networking opportunities with Detroit's urban agriculture community of 2,000+ gardens and farms.
2024 Urban Roots Program Details
Urban Roots is hosted in person to give students the best experience. As weather permits, we will be outside as much as possible, so please plan to dress accordingly.
Classes will be held on Saturdays in September and October at Georgia Street Community Collective. Participation in all classes is required. No guests may attend these classes. Exact dates and times will be shared at a later date.
Class 1: The Food System with a Short History of Urban Agriculture
Class 2: Creating a Vision for a Community Garden and Community Engagement
Class 3: Site Assessment and Urban Agriculture Policy
Class 4: Growing Vegetables and Garden Infrastructure
Class 5: Garden Resource Mobilization
Class 6: Graduation Celebration and Portfolio Presentation
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
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What role do community gardens play in our food system? Why do you want to start a community garden? Are you familiar with what’s already happening in the city? Open your eyes to the wide world of community gardens and the roles that they play in our community.
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What do you envision your garden will achieve? Do your neighbors and community share that vision? Learn techniques to get people involved, ensure community support, and build effective leadership in your community garden.
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We’ll dig in to considerations for how to choose a garden site and how to navigate land acquisition processes and urban agriculture policies in the city. We’ll also get hands-on practice with site assessment and creating a plot plan to support your garden development plans.
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In this hands-on class, we’ll learn the basics of growing and tending vegetables as well as practical tips for successful maintenance. We’ll also explore what elements your garden might contain, such as raised beds, pathways, water catchment systems, signs and benches.
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Assess the needs of your garden and explore the options for making it happen! This class will explore the world of funding opportunities for community-based projects. We’ll learn to create a budget and the basics of searching for funding and putting together proposals to reach your goals.
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Although class technically ends with graduation, KGD’s staff is committed to supporting Urban Roots Students though the winter and following spring to ensure you are ready for the upcoming growing season! Over the winter, you can expect support from KGD with your community organizing, garden design and development plans.
“I now have the tools, resources, and networks to continue build on what I’ve learned to bring my plan into fruition.
- Urban Roots Grad
