We are the staff of Toledo GROWs. Some of us are Americorps workers, some of us are local youth who have worked hard in our job training program. All of us are committed to realizing the vision of Toledo GROWs.
Youths in the Lucas County Green Jobs Corps [via Toledo GROWs] helped Toledo's Division of Environmental Services and other agencies Tuesday carry out the Green Streets Toledo Program, which was begun in April with nearly $1 million in grant funding from the state and federal governments.
Recycling is certainly not a new concept. In fact, gardeners have been using one form of recycling - composting - for about as long as people have tilled the soil. Composting is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to give your garden a boost.
Channel 36 ran a feature on Toledo GROWs last night peeking behind the greenhouse curtain and expounding the benefits of community based urban agriculture...
Enriching communities through gardens
TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) -- Urban agriculture is growing across the area.
In fact when Toledo Grows began 12 years ago there were about a handful of the small community gardens. Now there are more than 80 and the goal is to create at least 100 by next year.
The urban gardens are a way to turn empty fields into beautiful additions to neighborhoods.
“It’s often times done in unusual places,” said Toledo Grows Manager Michael Szuberla. “Its not a big farm field its just two vacant lots in the city and what you could do with some inspiration and the right resources is pretty amazing.”
The program is part of the Toledo Botanical Garden. People are given the resources and education to plant all sorts of herbs, produce and flowers.
Not only does it provide access to healthy foods for people who might not otherwise be able to obtain them, it’s also a great way to save.
“Given the state of the economy people are looking to save money any way they can,” said Szuberla. “If you can go out and do a positive activity with your grandchildren and children and at the same time reduce your budget it’s a double victory for everyone.”
The chickens clucked in their pen and turkeys wandered in and out of the greenhouse as Michael Szuberla and several Toledo youth took a break from the garden and kick around a hacky sac on a windy November afternoon at the Oneida Street Garden.
