Karla Ambos, one of several individuals behind the success of Apalachicola City Square Community Garden recently participated on a discussion panel about community gardens at the Leon County Sustainable Communities Summit 2010.The summit held this past Thursday and Friday, May 6 - 7, in Tallahassee was part of Leon County’s Office of Sustainability, which operates under the Leon County Board of County Commissioners. Established on February 1, 2009, the Office of Sustainability’s mission is to initiate and maintain a commitment to sustainable practices within Leon County operations and communities.
Also participating on the panel was Bob Bruggner, who was among the entourage from Havana that visited and toured the Apalachicola project last August. That visit, both inspired and fostered Havana’s Community Garden.
Other panelists included Nathan Ballantine (Man in Overalls Garden Entrepreneur), Nancy George (Damayan Garden Project), Miaisha Mitchell (Frenchtown Front Porch Gardens), Dominick Gheesing (Sale High School), Connie Bersock (Indianhead Community Garden), Malini Ram (Second Harvest), and Maggie Therriot, Sustainability Coordinator for Leon County.
“Each of the panelists had something different to offer in the way of experience and approach to community gardening, and I think everyone came away with more enthusiasm and a strong recognition of the need to continue the pursuit of a better way to deliver healthy eating options.” Ambos said.
While the topic of community gardens was one of four-tracks presented during the two-day summit, a steady audience of about 100 attended and listened in while the panel discussed the benefits of establishing community gardens within their respective communities.
“For my part, I felt the presentation about City Square Community Garden went extremely well, as there were many questions and requests for further contact to help others do what has been accomplished here (in Apalachicola)… I came home with many ideas that I think we can accomplish, but it will take a village.” Ambos said.
Much unlike the Midwest and Northwest, community gardens are in the infancy stage within Northwest Florida communities.
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