Project Name: Methodist Garden

2017 Grant Application Worksheet

Project name: Methodist Garden

County: McHenry

Project Coordinator: Libby Darnell

Lead Organization: United Methodist Church

Address: 201 2nd Ave W Velva, ND 58790

Telephone: 701.626.1863 Email: [email protected]

1. Briefly describe your garden project including its major goals. Please include a description of activities and the location of the garden (for example, Jefferson Elementary School). (150 words or less)

Our garden would be an inviting plot of mostly sustainable produce to be available to anyone in our community to enjoy. This would include the Velva Public School, Care Center, and local Food Pantry. Our goal would be to provide education, nutrition, and a peaceful place to get your hands dirty and connect with nature.

2. How will your project make a difference to its children? (150 words or less)

Most children are under-educated in regards to produce, especially vegetables. Our garden will provide hands on learning from tilling the ground through harvest. Children will learn about agriculture in a fun and safe atmosphere and be able to experience the benefits of their hard work and effort. Lessons learned in a garden will shape and outline healthy food choices for the rest of their lives. Eating fresh food out of a garden is one of the most rewarding youth experiences. 3. How will your project make a difference in your community? (150 words or less)

Our community is very supportive. Providing a community garden will enforce that bond in a way that has never been done before. Most families do not have their own gardens. This would provide, young and old alike, a space to have something tangible that they could call their own. The joy given to a person that has raised their own plant, and then eat from it, gives a great amount of self-pride and builds confidence.

4. Please estimate the number of participants directly involved in the project: Young children (3–12 years old): 25 Teens (13–17 years old): 15 Adults: 40

5. Briefly list any partners (such as 4-H, FFA, school, church, garden center, parks department) that are involved. Briefly describe their roles in the project. Be very brief.

Our local FFA Advisor has offered her assistance when needed. I also have verbal agreements from our local 4H, Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts, FFA, FCCLA, and the Methodist Church Youth Group.

6. Budget

Expenditures Amount

Seeds $100 Tools 100 Mulch 150 Water supplies 100 Planters 200 Plant supports 200

TOTAL $850 For projects coordinated by organizations outside of NDSU Extension (to be completed by local NDSU educator)

Please describe your Extension office’s involvement in this garden program (recruiting youth, teaching, coordinating volunteers, providing meeting space). (150 words or less)

I have offered to teach classes at the church, bring in area experts on pollination and nutrition, and to be a source for any questions that can arise during the growing season.

I support this project and will work with the coordinator to ensure a positive educational experience for the youth.

Rachel Wald 3/3/2017 ______Name of NDSU Extension Service staff Date