Madison’s Community Action Coalition members will revoke their roles as community garden leaders this May to turnover control to motivated individuals who are willing to continue garden upkeep.
The CAC has established more than 50 community gardens in the Madison and Dane County region over the last 30 years, according to Greta Hansen, the executive director of the Community Action Coalition. The CAC staff has worked to educate citizens on the fundamentals of gardening and establish adequate community leaders.
“CAC’s taking a step back is going to help the gardens develop their own sense of identity,” Hansen said.
She said the benefits from gardening include exercise, access to healthy food and “social cohesion.” The advice and assistance experienced gardeners extend to new growers is essential to community development and independence, according to Hansen.
“I think most gardeners are socially-oriented and are happy to share plants, happy to share seeds or suggestions on gardening,” Hansen said.
Madison police officers recently worked with citizens in community gardens to improve the quality of neighborhoods in the South Central District, according to a blog post from Interim Police Chief Randy Gaber Wednesday.
Officer Kim Alan encouraged Bayview and Braxton apartment residents to plant in their community garden as part of the “Growth on the Triangle” project. Gaber said in the blog post the project enhanced the community’s sense of safety.
Hansen predicts Madison and Dane County will see more community gardens after a new planning division takes the place of the CAC members.
“Community gardens are an amazing piece and component of any urban area and even small towns can benefit from them,” Hansen said.
