Tour tells ways community gardens improve neighborhoods

Kalamazoo has something in the neighborhood of 45 community gardens and an upcoming tour will show a number of these growing spots are making a difference in their neighborhoods.

 

The tour starts at the the former Riverside Greenhouse, 1523 Riverview Drive, Kalamazoo. It leaves promptly at 6 p.m. so organizers are encouraging those who want to attend to get there early.

 

Organizers say the guided tour will teach participants "how these gardens are improving neighborhoods, building community, and encouraging healthy lifestyles in Kalamazoo."

 

Participants have the options of touring by bus or by bike. Bicycle riders should have good urban or city riding skills. The tour is a leisurely ride on 12 miles of trails and streets.

 

Those who take the bus option will enjoy the comfort of a chartered air-conditioned bus. A tour guide will describe the Common Ground community garden network. The bus will be stopping at five gardens with very different goals and approaches to gardening.

 

Common Ground is a community-wide effort to promote and support gardening in neighborhoods, schools, churches and shared properties throughout Kalamazoo County. It is a collaboration of Fair Food Matters, the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, Kalamazoo County MSU Extension/Master Gardeners and the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Common Ground supports community garden projects throughout Kalamazoo County, with a special emphasis on those that serve low-income and food-insecure residents. With funding through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and Greater Kalamazoo United Way, Common Ground provides resources such as land, garden tools, topsoil and compost, plants and seeds, education and outreach, and funding.

 

The tour is free, but registration is required. To attend the tour register at info@commongroundkalamazoo.com or  269.216.9681.