In an urban world, so many people are losing touch with their connection to the land. With the world leaning in such a fast and technical direction, it is no small feat to start a revolution of sorts and reclaim roots to the earth. From the backyard to community gardens, from gorilla gardening on vacant lots to roof top gardens, so much can be done and so much is being done.
One of many starting points can be found through the variety of gardening and food security programs supported by Powell River Employment Program Society. PREP is an active supporter of community initiative and food security building. Powell River Family Place is one of these many programs. Family Place is a parent-child drop-in centre that offers a variety of opportunities for families in the Powell River area. Aside from families dropping in for some free play, Family Place runs registered programs that celebrate play, music, art, literature and nature.
Family Place has been running garden programs since 2007, learning and growing along with the process. There are opportunities for involvement and growth from any level of gardening experience. Currently, Family Place offers the following different programs.
Sprouts is a parent and child garden group. “Our goal with this program is to grow awareness through play,” said Liz Murdoch, Family Place gardening coordinator. “We hope to build on a child’s innate curiosity by encouraging staring at bugs, planting and eating some beans, making mud pies and generally getting messy with friends.”
Families can also try a season of community gardening at the Family Place allotment garden where each person can increase their own food harvest and connect with other gardening families.
Lastly, families are welcome to attend a mix of on-going educational opportunities, an annual series of gardening workshops, co-sponsored by the Powell River Food Security program.
Readers interested in knowing more about each of these programs can contact staff at Family Place 604.485.2706.
