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Community Gardeners Convene for Conference, August 7 to 9

Community Gardens are sprouting up all over the world and creating an opportunity for neighbors to grow their own fresh produce, as well as providing produce for local food banks and individuals in need. The gardens also provide educational opportunities for people of all ages to learn about gardening, sustainability and wellness. Community Gardeners will convene at Monmouth University, August 7 to 9, to discuss this interesting subject at “Gardening for Good: A Community Garden Conference.” The conference will be held in Wilson Hall and Magill Commons from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Monmouth University’s Garden has come a long way since its establishment in 2009.  We are very excited to be able to hold this conference and bring together like-minded individuals who value gardening in all its aspects,” said conference organizer, Robin Mama, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social Work and founding member of the University’s Community Garden.

The conference will focus on four theme areas of importance to community gardens: health and gardening, community and sustainability, urban gardening and poverty, and gardening and education.

Keynote speakers include:

Dr. Sean Morrissey, project administrator, Thrive.Org.UK, the leading charity in the United Kingdom that uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people who are living with disabilities or ill health.

Tobias Fox, founder of Newark Science and Sustainability, Inc., a nonprofit, community-driven organization based in Newark, N.J. which advocates for the incorporation of science into the social fabric.

Lisa Mosca, senior manager, PHS City Harvest Program, Philadelphia.  Since 2006 the City Harvest network has donated or sold over 140 tons of produce to recipients that would otherwise lack access to healthy fresh produce.

Registration fee is $250 and includes meals (breakfast for 3 days, lunch for 2 days, and dinner for 2 days), and housing for 3 nights in on-campus dormitories. The fee for one day is $50 and includes meals.