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Growing Better Tomorrows

Over the past decade, Herkimer County has been seeing, and benefitting, from community gardens sprouting up. Through cross-pollination, the idea has spread in Ilion, Frankfort, Herkimer, Mohawk, Little Falls, with hopefully more to come. 

“It is our belief that everyone should have a garden. We strive to give this space to the community to volunteer in order to grow food for their home and family. Many people live in areas that are not ideal for growing food and we are here to change that,” said Amanda Norton, creator of the Ilion Community Garden. The Ilion Community Garden is one of the longest operating community gardens in Herkimer County and is currently looking for assistance with new leadership. 

close up of vegetable in garden
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While each garden operates slightly differently, one mission remains true for all: to provide access to the community to learn about gardening, healthy eating, and food sovereignty.

As the gardens have grown, donations have come in various forms: seeds, tools, transplants, time, resources, money, and the list goes on. Additionally, numerous local farmers have contributed to the success of the community gardens. One farmer in particular, Erin Grygiel, owner of Pine Hills Farmstead and co-creator of the Frankfort Community Garden, said, “Community gardens in our area provide a source of healthy food, educational opportunities for all ages, and they have helped to bring people together during a time in our world where people desperately need to unite. I have been lucky enough to be a big part of the Frankfort Community Garden and find great joy in maintaining the gardens and donating seedlings each year.” Pine Hills Farmstead is a no-till and regenerative cut flower and produce farm located in Frankfort, NY.  Find Pine Hills Farmstead on our directory.

The community gardens have become places to not only grow food, but future farmers as well. In speaking with some of the youth involved, many are excited to continue learning about where our food comes from, local food systems, and ways to gain gardening skills. The community gardens provide an opportunity to access food in areas where healthy food is not readily available to all. They are spaces that provide education and intergenerational learning. Spaces that foster meaningful connection, and spaces that create long-term success in participating youth and adults.

“A community garden gives people the opportunity to learn from more experienced gardeners about growing their own food, how healthy it is, and how relaxing it can be to get back to mother earth. It gives those who have no plot of land of their own the chance to engage in this activity which is healing for body and mind,” noted Donna Salamone, a retired local farmer.

 

basket of apples with green shed in background
hand holding squash growing in garden

Furthermore, in an ever-changing world, community gardens play an important role in creating community resiliency. According to the NYS Community Gardens Task Force 2023 Report, “…they continue to serve as a promising solution for improving the resiliency of our agri-food value chain,” (NYS Agriculture and Markets, 2023, p. 3). By expanding local agriculture, we may lessen the need for emergency relief, increase access to fresh food, and help grow better tomorrows.

garden beds with vegetables, with people sitting at a table in the back

Alexandra Tamburro is a NY Public Health Fellow assigned to Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County. She is committed to contributing to civic programs that strengthen local communities, address social problems, and provide disaster preparedness. With fifteen years of experience in disaster relief across the United States and the Virgin Islands, she has worked on the ground in communities affected by natural crises, helping to rebuild and support recovery efforts. Additionally, Alexandra co-created a community garden in Frankfort to address food insecurity, foster local connections, and promote environmental stewardship. On the weekends, you may find her with her camera in hand at her shop, Main Street Mercantile, in Little Falls. Her photography and writing have been used by various non-profits and featured in art galleries throughout New York State.

Article published October 9, 2024.

Alli in construction gear, sitting on concrete