In the spring of 2008, several teens who visit the City of Cortland Youth Bureau’s Teen Center approached Center staff about creating a community garden in Cortland. This idea initiated what is now the Cortland Youth Bureau Teen Center's Community Garden on South Ave. The Youth Bureau worked alongside Craig and Michelle Brooks, the owners of Coffee Mania, to establish the garden on land where their warehouse is located. After finding a home for the garden, these teens submitted a grant application to the Cortland Area Communities That Care coalition.
Their grant request was funded. With the support of the coalition, the teens planted seeds indoors and built raised beds at the site of the garden. Not only have these teens learned how to grow and care for their vegetables, they have also learned how to prepare meals with them. Produce grown in the garden is used to supplement the Teen Centers dinner program.
Throughout the two year garden project, children and teens have learned numerous gardening techniques. More valuable than the garden experience has been the unforeseeable lessons learned in the garden. Young growers have worked together to persevere through struggles such as tomato blight. This garden has become a place of learning and inspiration. Adult organizers of the program have been motivated by the creativity and dedication that local youth have provided this community garden effort. More than seventy youth ranging in age from four to nineteen have volunteered with the community garden. Youth volunteers have done everything from designing the garden and deciding which plants will be grown to constructing a tumbling compost bin.
As the group prepares for another growing season they are also busy creating a sustainable long term goal for their project. Working from the solid foundation that is already established organizers are now planning to expand the size of the garden as well as the programs offered.
Teen Center gardeners have made many lasting community partnerships. This year members of the Cortland Master Gardener Program have begun to volunteer with this effort. Organizers hope that partnership with the Cortland Master Gardener Program will evolve into a mentoring program in which experienced volunteers teach young gardeners ticks of the trade.
This effort started by the teenagers of our community has made a bigger impact on Cortland than many people know. With the help and support from the Cortland Area Communities That Care coalition, these teens have been able to create the foundation for an extremely successful community project that benefits a significant number of people. Countless connections have been made between local agencies, volunteers, and the youth of our community. These connections coupled with the dedication and enthusiasm of our youth will ensure that this community garden remains a sustainable part of Cortland far into the future. Erica Danega is Youth Services Supervisor for the Cortland City Youth Bureau. The City Youth Bureau is a founding partner in the Cortland Area Communities That Care Coalition.
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