Kudos to FOSCP Board Members Russell Johnson, Terry Redman and Marcello Paolini! In Fall 2013, Sarasota County was awarded a grant through the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This sustainability-based grant provided funding for the installation of a solar-powered well and shed at Englewood Community Garden, located at Buchan Airport Park. Terry and Marcello have been crucial in coordinating distribution of the funding.

The grant also provided funds for compost bin improvements at multiple community gardens. Terry donated his valuable time to meet UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County staff at the Jacaranda Home Depot store. He assisted with the purchasing of nearly $2,000 worth of wood, soil thermometers, and other composting supplies. Russell then unselfishly donated his time, truck, and fuel to assist with the delivery of this substantial amount of material!

Community garden members provided their time and energy for construction of these wooden bin systems. With these improvements in place, we can now say that all community gardens located in county parks are recycling their vegetative debris, keeping it out of landfills, and putting those vital nutrients back into garden soils. UF/IFAS Extension is very grateful for the role that Friends volunteers have played in this effort!

[clearboth]For more information about local community gardens, contact:

Stacy Spriggs, P.W.S.

Community & School Gardens Coordinator

University of Florida/IFAS Extension Sarasota County

941.861.9815 (office)

sspriggs@scgov.net