The fourth annual Raising Richland Community Garden Summit will be held Thursday, March 13, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Longview Center, 1495 W. Longview Avenue in Mansfield.
Intended to support gardeners throughout Richland County, this free event includes two guest speakers, a “make it-take it” workshop for kids, fresh produce tasting, loads of garden resources, displays from local community gardens, and garden-themed door prizes.
Sophia Buggs, owner of Lady Buggs Farm of Youngstown, will speak on “Growing Hope.” She will share her inspiring story of growing healthy food on vacant city lots, and its impact on transforming and rebuilding her neighborhood.
Cheryl Harner will speak on “Critters and Compost.” Harner is well-known locally through her work and leadership with the Richland County Master Gardeners, Greater Mohican Audubon Society, several conservancy groups, and Flora-Quest.
Raising Richland is organized by the North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC), Richland County Master Gardener Volunteers, OSU Extension, Creating Healthy Communities project of the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department, the City of Shelby, and local community gardeners. For more information about this event, contact NECIC at 419-525-3101.