Representatives of a number of Southcoast organizations gathered on October 8, 2008, at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth downtown New Bedford campus, 800 Purchase Street, to engage in a two-hour visioning workshop focused on community gardens. Lead by Derek Christianson of Brix Bounty Farm in Dartmouth, the group worked in small groups to brainstorm a vision for community gardens, the types of resources needed, and participants' greatest hopes for change in the next ten years. The session ended with a number of recommendations that will be explored by an ongoing group that meets monthly at the same location. Those who were unable to attend the session but who want to be part of the effort are urged to contact Derek Christianson at 508.992.1868 or Susan Jennings, Director of the Office of Campus and Community Sustainability at UMass-Dartmouth, at 508-910-6484. Click here to see photos of the organizational meeting for community gardens in Fall River.
 

(Top row, left) Trustees of Reservation Property Manager Michael Labossiere listens to Temistocles Blessed of the New Bedford YouthBuild program. (Middle row, left) Children in Balance Project Manager Marcia Picard, UMass-Dartmouth Service Learning Coordinator Deidre Healey, UMass Office of Campus and Community Sustainability staff member Kathleen Christianson, City of New Bedford Conservation Agent Sarah Porter and Corey of New Bedford YouthBuild work together in a small group session. (Middle row, right) Bristol Community College faculty member Nancy Lee Wood leads her discussion group. (Bottom row, left) Greater New Bedford Garden Club members Hope Hallett and Corinne Weaver  listen as Southcoast Hospitals Dietitian Amanda Szot makes a recommendation. (Bottom row, right) Marcia Picard and Kathleen Christiansen listen as City of New Bedford employee Kerry Muldoon makes a point.