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Lasting Impacts in a Rural Community through Horticultural Activities

Michael G North and Sara E Patterson*

Community garden projects have incredible potential to positively impact local communities socially, economically, and environmentally. However, community gardens often face challenges that limit a project’s capacity to be sustained and consequently prevent long-term positive impacts. We believe that four main features of garden projects contribute to their positive potential: (i) accessibility to all individuals, (ii) opportunities for development of new relationships and personal skills, (iii) the acquisition of new knowledge and skills both about gardening and through gardening, and (iv) positive impact on the environment. Together these factors facilitate participation, communication, and commitment among individuals, which ultimately leads to a strong sense of community. We will present an overview of these concepts in the context of our community-organizing garden project based in northern Wisconsin, the Flambeau River Community Growing Center (FRCGC).