#SpringfieldIL #CommunityGarden Seeks Applicants for 2025 Season

March 13, 2025 in Local News |

"The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) seeks individuals or families interested in starting their own garden to raise fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in a community setting. The IDOA’s Community Garden is located on the infield of the #IllinoisStateFair Grandstand racetrack and features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardening. Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional charge. The Department will supply water and #compost free of charge. Those interested in participating in the 2025 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application on the IDOA website: agr.illinois.gov/consumers/communitygarden.html Completed applications and payments can be returned by mail or to the front desk of the IDOA at the John R. Block Building, Attention: Community Garden, 801 E. Sangamon Ave., Springfield, IL 62794. If you would like more information about this year’s Community Garden, visit the IDOA website or contact the Department at (217) 785-8300."

http://www.lawndalenews.com/2025/03/community-garden-seeks-applicants-for-2025-season/
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday #Illinois

#CommunityGardens help fill the gap with rising grocery costs

by Carlee Bronkema Mar 10, 2025

#SpringfieldIL - "When grocery bills start climbing, fresh fruits and vegetables are often the first to go. But community gardens in Springfield are hoping to help fill the gap, and provide healthy choices for the community.

"'We not only have the produce available, but produce of a quality that really makes us proud,' said Yves Doumen, Founder and Director of Motherland Gardens Community Project. 'We started this as a response to food insecurity during COVID... we really have a lot of issues with food supply in the community where we are.'

"Motherland has already started growing several varieties of vegetables, using a green house on the property. They have an area with personal plots, where community members can 'rent' a bed to grow plants in. They also have communal plots, where they grow the food they provide to community members.

"The Enos Park community Gardens also provides a similar service in Springfield. They have a mix of both communal and personal plots in their garden space. Manager Carey Smith says they have a large waitlist for their personal plots, and believes it could be due to the cost of fresh produce in the store.

"'In our neighborhood we have an expensive grocery store so a lot of people do shop for their groceries at the dollar store, which is not ideal,' said Smith. 'To be able to supplement with fruits and vegetables from out garden is really helpful. We also see people who come from the hospital who are told to change their diets immediately and they go to the grocery store and can't afford that.'

"In 2024, the Enos Park has 2,300 visitor and volunteer engagements. They provide their produce to their volunteers, a food pantry and a community center. They also host few farmer's markets on Saturdays once summer produce starts kicking in.

"Smith and Doumen both say they think demand will increase in coming months due to tariffs, rising costs, and the end of food-related aid programs.

"Motherland starts providing produce at the end of June twice a week. As more plants start to grow, they will provide food to whoever stops by when it is available. They also hold events to educate community members about growing their own food, cooking with local produce, and handing out surplus supplies."

https://www.wandtv.com/community/community-gardens-help-fill-the-gap-with-rising-grocery-costs/article_9196419c-fdf6-11ef-a2c5-ab4569311f0f.html
#FoodSovereignty #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #CommunityGardens #SolarPunkSunday

#DuarteCA #CommunityGarden to be developed at #TzeitelParasCaracciPark

March 12, 2025

"Duarte residents will soon have a new space to grow fresh produce, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors. Last month, the Duarte City Council approved the development of the Duarte Community Garden at Tzeitel Paras-Caracci Park (2701 Royal Oaks Drive).

"'This project exemplifies our dedication to creating #sustainable, #accessible spaces for our residents,' said Mayor Cesar A. Garcia. 'This garden will not only enhance the beauty of our park but also provide a space where our community can come together, learn, and share in the joy of nature. I am excited to see this project grow and look forward to it becoming a vibrant part of our community.'

"The goal of the Duarte Community Garden is to increase #FoodSovereignty by creating garden plots for community members to grow healthy food, cultivate agricultural literacy with educational programs, gather community by creating a welcoming and accessible garden space, and perform ecosystem services by removing grass, installing a sustainable #DripIrrigation system, building a #NativeHabitatGarden, and collecting #compost.

"The garden will feature 20 plots and two #ADAAccessible raised beds, available for rent at $5 per month. Community members can plant edible (excluding smokable) plants and flowers for personal, noncommercial use. It will include a storage shed with garden tools, an irrigation system promoting sustainable practices, and ADA-accessible decomposed granite pathways.

"The garden will be run in partnership with Food Exploration and Discovery (#FoodEd), a nonprofit organization that collaborates with San Gabriel Valley communities to create edible education sites and provide programs on #ecosystem #stewardship, healthy living, #environmental innovation, and entrepreneurship.

"Food Ed’s educational model will support gardeners of all skill levels, providing supplies and plants for beginners while experienced gardeners can use their own resources. The garden will also offer picnic benches for community #gatherings and host educational programs on topics like #VegetableGardening, #composting, #DroughtTolerant landscaping, and #SoilHealth.

"As the lead on this grant project, Food Ed will be responsible for building the #DuarteCommunityGarden. This includes overseeing site construction, collecting infrastructure bids, contractor management, program management, community engagement and workshops/events, processing plot holder applications, plant and soil replenishment, above ground irrigation repairs, developing the garden’s webpage and branding and overall garden management through October of 2026.

"For more information on the Duarte Community Garden, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (626) 357-7931."

Source:
https://heysocal.com/2025/03/12/duarte-community-garden-to-be-developed-at-tzeitel-paras-caracci-park/
#ThirdSpaces #SolarPunkSunday #CommunityGardens #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #California #SolarPunk #Composting

#ScarboroughME #CommunityGarden

"The Scarborough Community Garden is addressing #hunger in our community by growing nourishing vegetables for neighbors who struggle to put healthy food on the table. Located in #ScarboroughMaine, we broke ground in the Fall of 2014 on our first garden located at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. We began planting and harvesting in 2015. Two more gardens, one at Blue Point Congregational Church and one at Hillcrest Retirement Community, were soon established in 2017. All three gardens continue to grow an abundance of delicious produce for the #ScarboroughFoodPantry and our neighbors."
https://scarboroughcommunitygarden.weebly.com/
#Maine #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday #gardening #CommunityGarden

#CommunityGardens will eventually help feed the #Coweta community

by Sheila Stogsdill, Mar 12, 2025

"#CowetaCity leaders hope a community garden project will help feed the community and bloom friendships.

"Carolyn Back, community development director, said the Community Gardens Area for the City of Coweta is in its infancy stages, referring to the less than an acre plot.

"'I want the community garden to help feed the community,' Back said.

"Back hopes to transform a city-owned vacant grassy lot into a garden paradise where people can grow vegetables and either sell or barter with others.

"'I would like to see someone barter a basket of vegetables for a basket of eggs,' Back said.

"People in Coweta want to grow a garden, but they don’t have the land, she said.

"Back said a community garden space would be a place to grow vegetables and then give the leftover produce to a senior citizen or a young family."

https://tulsaworld.com/article_fbd308a0-fdac-11ef-934f-4bf1bc370a2c.html
#CowetaOK #FoodSecurity #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday

#MadisonNJ Rotary, Grace church, #RepairCafe team up for free ‘#Repair, #Reuse, and #Recycle’ event on April 12

Mar 13, 2025

MADISON, NJ – "The Repair Cafe, an event during which volunteers help make all possible repairs of various items for free, is coming to Grace Episcopal Church at 4 Madison Ave. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 12.

"The event will be hosted by the Madison Rotary, Grace Episcopal Church and the Repair Cafe.

"#Repairers will show attendees how the repairs are made and what tools are needed.

"All types of items can be brought in including lamps, bicycles, clothing and other fabric items, small appliances, wooden things, jewelry, toys, knives in need of sharpening, phones and computers. Items should be small enough to be carried in by one person. No gasoline motors or hazardous materials are allowed.

"There will be a #TechTable, where experts will help with #troubleshooting settings and software on phones and computers, as well as repairs on other tech items. There will be no screen replacements.

"The Kids’ Take-Apart Table will return. Children will get to take apart common items with supervision including laptops, small appliances and toys.

"The last repairs will start at 2:30 p.m. and will be on a first come, and repairs will be made on a first come, first serve basis. If possible, attendees are asked to email Paul Lemaire at pjlema@gmail.com to tell the repairers what they will be bringing in.

"The repairers always looking for new volunteers to join the team. Expert repairers with their own tools and people who want to help out with logistics and organization are welcome. There is no age requirement, and volunteers have ranged from their teens to their 80s."

Original article:
https://www.newjerseyhills.com/madison_eagle/news/madison-rotary-grace-church-repair-cafe-team-up-for-free-repair-reuse-and-recycle-event/article_b76c02ac-fea1-11ef-b252-df808ac040a8.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/LA2lo#selection-2647.0-2667.12

#OrilliaOntario - Need something fixed? #Orillia #RepairCafé returning in April

Event taking place April 5 at St. James' Anglican Church

Mar 14, 2025

"Local residents are invited to bring their broken or torn possessions to St. James’ Church on Saturday, April 5 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), where 'fixers' will be on hand to make repairs and turn their 'trash' into 'treasure' at the eighth Orillia Repair Café, which takes place twice a year.

"The event is supported by local volunteers and Sustainable Orillia, St. James’ Anglican Church and Lake Country Time Trade.

"Light refreshments will be provided as well as child-friendly activities. A new feature this year will be '#BookSwaps,' one for adults and one for children. The café has a friendly and fun ambience and combines an enjoyable family activity with a rewarding outcome.

"Annalise Stenekes has led the project since its inception and has gathered a dedicated and talented team of fixers who will attempt to repair a variety of items, including bicycles, lamps, home appliances, sewing machines, jewelry and audio/visual and computer equipment. Small furniture items will be repaired, clothing and footwear mended and toys given new life.

"Last year, 230 kilograms of items were given a new lease on life, diverting potential waste from the #landfill and saving an estimated $1,000.

"'#Repairing and #reusing broken items, as opposed to disposing of them and purchasing new ones, is a practical and meaningful contribution we can make for our environment,' says local resident Wendy Kirk. 'The Repair Café is also a feel-good place — at times the joy is tangible when someone’s prized item is restored to its former usefulness.'

"Repair Café events are happening around the world, saving money, reducing landfill waste, cutting CO2 emissions, promoting learning and fostering community connections."

Source:
https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/need-something-fixed-orillia-repair-cafe-returning-in-april-10371696
#RepairCafesOntario #RepairCafes #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday #FixIt

#Australia: As a place to fix, mend, and connect, #RepairCafes battle loneliness as well as waste

By Emma Hannigan, Wed 12 Feb

"In south-east #Queensland's Scenic Rim, the sound of tools and laughter fills the air at the #TamborineMountain Repair Cafe.

"While 93-year-old volunteer Leon Hughes sharpens a pair of antique Japanese scissors, fellow repairer Neville Warner tackles a piano accordion.

"'We get all kinds of jobs,' according to coordinator Geoff Marshall, 'from sharpening knives, scissors and gardening tools to furniture repairs and fixing wobbly chairs'."

Learn more:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-13/fixing-more-than-broken-stuff-the-growing-impact-of-repair-cafes/104727868
#RepairCafesAustralia #FixIt #BuildingCommunity #SolarPunkSunday

#California: #MariposaCounty #Library Offers New #SeedLibrary at the #RedCloudBranch in #GreeleyHill, Also Available in #Mariposa
Monday, 03 March 2025 06:39

March 3, 2025 – "Mariposa County Library officials announce that they now have a Seed Library at the Red Cloud Branch in Greeley Hill. We have vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

"The way this works is you can stop by, take a few seeds, put them in baggies, write down instructions for planting them, and be on your way. We also invite users to leave their own seed donations.

"This project was in partnership with the Master Gardeners, who we are very grateful to! We also have a Seed Library at the Mariposa Branch that they assist with maintaining, on a regular basis."

Source:
https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/65134-mariposa-county-library-offers-new-seed-library-at-the-red-cloud-branch-in-greeley-hill-also-available-in-mariposa
#SeedLibrary #MariposaCA #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening

#NorthDakota: #JamesRiverValley #SeedLibrary Opening March 20

By: Steve Urness March 7, 2025

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – "The 2025 Seed Library is opening March 20 at #StutsmanCountyLibrary!

"#NDSU Extension Agent Ashley Kjellberg will be presenting a talk entitled, 'Timeline for Planting a Successful Garden.The seed library will also be open for you to choose from a variety of seeds from vegetables to flowers. Attendees will receive a free 3D printed garden marker (while supplies last).

"The Seed Library opens March 20th at 6:30 PM in the Stutsman County Library in Jamestown, North Dakota."

Source:
https://www.newsdakota.com/2025/03/07/james-river-valley-seed-library-opening-march-20/
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #JamestownND #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening

Free #SeedLibraries in #Minnesota

Story by Thrifty Minnesota, March 6, 2025

"Free seed libraries are a great way to get seeds to start your garden and learn more about gardening in the process. Here is our list of free seed libraries throughout Minnesota!:"

Learn more:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/parks/free-seed-libraries-in-minnesota/ar-AA1An9Dv
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening #FoodSecurity

#Iowa: New #SeedLibrary offers #Native Plants for community gardeners to enjoy

by PEGGY SENZARINO Feb 16, 2025

SIOUX CITY – "It might not be gardening weather yet but a new free seed library in Sioux City will have area gardeners planning and dreaming up summer flower gardens even with snow on the ground and temperatures below freezing.

"Located on the lower level of the #DorothyPecautNatureCenter, the Loess Hills Wild Ones Seed Share Library is a tool for people with a green thumb to utilize.

"'This is a native seed library and members of Loess Hills Wild Ones collected seeds in the fall and we are sharing them with anyone in the community that would like some,' said Marcie Ponder, Loess Hills Wild Ones treasurer.

"The cabinet is housed at the base of the stairs leading to the lower level of the nature center. A binder is full of information about the available seeds including descriptions and photographs."

Read more:
https://siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/article_afa248de-ebcc-11ef-80ad-6f14c6510777.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/Pozre
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SiouxCityIowa #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #Gardening #NativePlants #NativeSeeds

#Louisiana: #WestFelicianaParish #Library launches a new #SeedLibrary

Feb 18, 2025

"Just in time for spring planting, the West Feliciana Parish Library announces the launch of its Seed Library — a community-driven initiative designed to make gardening accessible to everyone.

"The Seed Library allows patrons to 'borrow' seeds to grow their own food, flowers and herbs. Interested gardeners can take home seeds, plant them, enjoy the harvest, and, if possible, return seeds at the end of the season to keep the cycle going.

"This project was made possible through an #LSU #AgCenter #HealthyCommunitiesGrant and is maintained in partnership with the LSU AgCenter's West Feliciana Parish Extension Office.

"'Our goal is to empower our community with the ability to grow fresh, healthy food while promoting #biodiversity and #SelfReliance,' said Molly Porter, librarian. 'By participating, you're not just growing plants — you’re growing a stronger, more resilient community.'

How to get seeds from the library:

- Sign up: Fill out a Seed Library Patron Form and bring it to the circulation desk.
- Pick your seeds: Choose from a variety of seeds that thrive in the local climate. Three per week limit.
- Log your choices: Record the seeds you take in the binder to help track demand and replenish stock.
- Plant and enjoy: Take the seeds home, plant and watch them grow.
- Return seeds, if you can: If you save seeds from your harvest, bring some back to the library to share with others.

"Throughout the growing season, the library will offer workshops on gardening basics, seed saving and more."

For details, visit www.wfplibrary.org/seeds or stop by the library to get started or contact (225) 245-3752, or mporter@wfplibrary.org
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/st_francisville/west-feliciana-parish-library-launches-a-new-seed-library/article_d9f400fe-e8cb-11ef-8946-4b3a48ecf5de.html
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity

#Maine - Making the most of March with #ThompsonFreeLibrary

By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library, February 24, 2025

"March arrives with a built-in tension. The upbeat concept we hold in our minds versus an uncertain reality. Our hope is tinged with a steely resolve to muddle through. 'Winter is holding back and spring is pulling forward. Something holds and something pulls inside of us too,' wrote garden author Jean Hersey. Whether you’re ready to research a spring project or desperately need some escapist fare, the Thompson Free Library in #DoverFoxcroft is here to help you make it through — and even enjoy — this unpredictable month.

"Nothing heralds the coming of spring like our #SeedLibrary! We offer donated seeds from our community and various other donors. If you have extra seeds from previous years that you don’t need, please bring them in to share with your neighbors. If you’re interested in trying a new type of plant or flower in your garden this year, stop in and check out what we have to offer. Over the years we’ve had donations from Burpee, Fedco, Ripley Farms, Helios Horsepower Farms, Bob’s Hardware, and many, many patrons."

Source:
https://observer-me.com/2025/02/24/news/making-the-most-of-march-with-thompson-free-library/

Library website:
https://www.thompsonfreelibrary.org/
#SolarPunkSunday #SeedBanks #SeedLibrary #DoverFoxcroftMaine #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #CommunityAgriculture #SeedSharing #HeirloomSeeds #MaineLibraries

#Missouri: St. Joseph Public Libraries open Seed Library

By Leah Rainwater News-Press NOW Mar 6, 2025

"With spring on the horizon, the St. Joseph Public Library has opened its Seed Library.

"Seeds are available at the Downtown and East Hills libraries.

"A variety of seeds are offered, including vegetables, herbs and flowers. Beans, corn, cucumber, lettuce, melon, peas, pepper, radish, squash and tomato are among the things that can be grown.

"Anyone interested can select up to 10 seed packets (no more than two of a kind) during the library’s regular hours.

"The libraries are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

"Early May Garden Center and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company donated seeds for the program.

"Gardeners who have saved seeds to share or have extras from this year’s planting are encouraged to donate them to the Seed Library to help increase the inventory.

"For more information about the Seed Library, call 816-232-7729 or log on to sjpl.lib.mo.us for more information about other library services and programs."

Source:
https://www.newspressnow.com/news/local_news/library/st-joseph-public-libraries-open-seed-library/article_2a603fea-f974-11ef-b16e-1f3a35c4f7ba.html
#SeedLibrary #StJosephMO #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening

HT @urbanmicrofarmer

"It’s a good time to once again promote the [#Global] Seed Library Map.

https://www.seedlibrarynetwork.org/explore-the-map.html

"On the same site, you can also find information on starting your own seed library, organizing a seed swap, etc."

Original post:
https://kolektiva.social/@urbanmicrofarmer@zirk.us/113999764238880911
#SeedLibrary #SeedLibraries #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity #SeedSwaps

#NorthCarolina: #DareCounty’s free #SeedLibraries are ready for #SpringPlanting
March 6, 2025

"According to the Dare County Extension Master Gardeners, it’s time to start propagating seeds, and if you’re in search of some special seeds to get you started this season, the Dare County Library has you covered with its free Seed Libraries program.

"Thanks to generous donations made by Burpee Seeds, Sow True Seed, Seed Savers Exchange and Lowe’s Home Improvement, the Dare County Library’s Seed Libraries are fully stocked and ready for 2025 spring planting.

"The Seed Libraries are free to the public, and are available at all three Dare County Library locations, including #HatterasVillage.

"Launched in 2022 as a means to share seeds in communities with #FoodSecurity issues, the Dare County Library’s Seed Library program provides a variety of vegetable, herb, flower and plant seeds that can be 'checked out' from all three Dare County Library branches with the intention of growing them locally.

"Growing instruction cards are available to assist with every type of seed, and a live inventory can be found in the online Seed Library guide.

"After the plant has matured, growers are encouraged to harvest and donate some of their seeds back, thus making the Seed Library truly local and sustainable.

"The long-term goal of the Seed Library is to give locals access to plant varieties that grow and thrive on the #OuterBanks while also providing the knowledge needed to maintain kitchen gardens and reduce household overhead.

"A mix of commercially and locally harvested seeds are available year-round, with types and quantities varying based on supply. A variety of new seeds will also be introduced this year, including celery seed, cowpeas and mustard seeds, among others.

"In addition, the Seed Libraries currently have new varieties of several old favorites, such as three new types of basil, as well as carrots and an array of different lettuces to make the perfect salad—plus so much more.

"For additional information about the Seed Library program, please stop by your local branch or visit https://earlibrary.libguides.com/DareCountyLibrarySeedLibrary

Source:
https://islandfreepress.org/hatteras-island-features/dare-countys-free-seed-libraries-are-ready-for-spring-planting/
#SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening #FoodSecurity

My old haunt! #Massachusetts: #Newburyport #PublicLibrary starting #SeedLibrary

Updated Feb 16, 2025

NEWBURYPORT — "Starting on March 17, the Newburyport Public Library will have a new seed library on the second floor of the library next to the computer area. Browse the library’s collection of seeds including flowers, vegetables, herbs, and many more. All visitors are eligible to take out up to 10 packages of seeds per week and no library card is required. For full details on how to use the seed library, please check the seed library binder that will be located on top of the drawers. Have some extra seeds you would like to share? The seed library will be accepting seed donations starting on March 10. Ask staff for details. Contact the library for more details or any questions you may have. The library is located at 94 State St., Newburyport. Visit newburyportpl.org for more information."

Original article:
https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/newburyport-public-library-starting-seed-library/article_23661f62-eaf0-11ef-9b18-932b1b52efdc.html

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/zqO5g
#SeedLibrary #NewburyportMA #SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #LibrariesRule! #SeedSharing #SeedExchange #Gardening