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Vermont Community Garden Network
March 2016 Newsletter
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Spring is just around the corner! As the ground begins to thaw, VCGN is gearing up for an exciting growing season! This newsletter is bursting with resources and opportunities for garden groups all over the state, Burlington programs, internships, and events, andVCGN news, including new board members, a hot-off-the-presses toolkit for creating gardens at housing sites, and more.
We hope you’re as excited as we are to keep growing together! – Jess, Libby, Carolina, Trish, and Aaron
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 Garden News and Opportunities Free seeds for garden groups!Thanks to High Mowing Organic Seeds and Gardener’s Supply, we are offering bundles of assorted vegetable, herb, and flower seeds to Vermont community and school garden groups. The seeds will be mailed later this month, along with seed starting resources, and some product samples from our friends at Gardener’s Supply and Seedsheets. Each bundle has 30-40 seed packs. Request yourshere!
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Grow Grant Deadline is March 15
The New England Grassroots Environment Fund‘s (NEGEF) Grow grant offers up to $3,500for established school and community gardens to increase capacity, collaborate, and leverage impact. In addition to the grant funds, Vermont Grow grantees receive planning support and technical assistance from VCGN staff! The application deadline is March 15. Click for more info and online application. Check out our website for more garden grant opportunities.
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Spring Grow It! Workshops
in
Bennington
 Montpelier
Proctor
Sheffield
South Burlington
Thetford
Westminster
Join community and school garden leaders from your region for this workshop focused on recruiting and engaging gardeners and volunteers. Learn strategies to boost your garden programs, share stories and ideas, and celebrate this growing movement.
Click below to learn more and register online.
VCGN’s 2016 Membership Program – Sign up or renew your membership now and get a discount on Grow It workshops, among other special benefits, including a discount to Gardener’s Supply, half-price ACGA membership, and a snazzy sign for your garden. Visit ourwebsite or call us at (802) 861-4769 for more details.
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Burlington Programs and Internships |
Community Teaching Garden- Register now!
Want to grow your own fresh vegetables, but not sure where to start? Join the Community Teaching Garden– a 22-week in Burlington, beginner organic gardening course. The course follows the rhythm of the growing season from May 9 through October 3. Register online to participate in this dynamic course. The registration deadline is March 15.
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Summer Internship Opportunities
Gain valuable experience in garden education by working with diverse groups of adults and children in community garden settings. We offer oneGarden Education Internship (14 weeks from June-August) and twoCommunity Teaching Garden Internships (24 Weeks from May-October). All are for academic credit and include a stipend. Application deadline is March 18.
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Events Seed Swap March 19, Noon-3pmFletcher Free Library
This free community event celebrates the upcoming gardening season and brings gardeners together to share seeds, garden stories, and resources. Lisa Coven and Ron Krupp will present workshops on garden planning and seed starting. Bring your own non-GMO seeds to share and exchange. Check out the event page for details.
Aaron Flynn and Rebecca Padula – VCGN Benefit concert
April 8, 7 pm Old Brick Church in Williston
 This show features Aaron Flinn’s unique sound, which combines elements of folk, indie rock, and classic country, and Rebecca Padula with her dark folk-rock flavored with a shot of bluegrass and a hint of jazz.Tickets: $10/12.
 A celebration of soils, spring, and community spirit!Mark your calendars for April 29-May 1. This jam-packed weekend of garden fun starts Friday night with Dirt Ball dance party and karaoke contest at Skinny Pancake, continues Saturday for Day in the Dirt, and is topped off with CompostFest at Green Mountain Compost in Williston on Sunday. Volunteer registration for Day in the Dirt starts April 1.
Save the Dates:
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VCGN News
This new toolkit is a guide for starting, growing and sustaining healthy and productive edible landscapes at affordable housing communities. Produced in partnership with Vermont Edible Landscapes, it is available for free online and print copies are available for sale.
VGCN is pleased to announce new board members Sue Bette, Jennifer Black Leithead, Marielle Blais, and Chris Jacobson as well as new Communications & Events Intern Aaron DaCosta. Get to know the staff and board here.
VCGN in the News
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We need your support to meet the growing needs of Vermont’s garden communities. These gardens feed tens of thousands of people and are rich social and educational sites! Please make a donation today to help more people grow food for themselves, their families, and neighbors. Thank you! |
 Since 2001, the Vermont Community Garden Network (formerly known as Friends of Burlington Gardens) has worked with hundreds of community and school groups to start, sustain, and grow gardens, building strong local food systems and vibrant educational sites.
Libby Weiland, Statewide Network Coordinator
Carolina Lukac, Garden Education Specialist
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Vermont Community Garden Network | 802-861-4769
12 North St., Suite 3 | Burlington VT 05401
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