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YPSI CHICKENS:
We want to hear your
clucks about hens!
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The City of Ypsilanti currently does not allow the keeping of chickens, goats, bees, or other "farm"-type animals. A minor change in the city ordinance involving agriculture is on City Council meeting agenda on February 17th, 2009. That meeting will include a public hearing (the first of two) on that ordinance change. While the proposed change does not (explicitly) allow for the keeping of these animals, it gives an opportunity for community feedback about urban agriculture and specifically the allowance of chickens. This brief survey aims to gather community input on potential ways the ordinance could be changed in the future, as well as identify potential supporters of urban agriculture. The cumulative results will be shared with City Council and in the community by Growing Hope. Whether you're an Ypsi resident or not, take the chicken survey and let us know your opinions! |
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Play Games - Grow Hope! |
Coops All in 4 Charity will be hosting poker nights to raise money for Growing Hope. Games are open Thursday through Sunday from 5pm to 2am on March 12-15th and April 2-5th.
Come to one night or all. Bring your friends, and tell everyone you know!
*Note: February dates have been cancelled! If you are interested in volunteering to help us staff the poker nights, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Karen Spangler, at karen@growinghope.net |
| Local Food Summit |
The Local Food Summit took that took place last Thursday, January 29th at the Matthei Botanical Gardens was a great success. The purpose of the Summit was to meet, learn about, and join together with the many groups and individuals in this community working on re-localizing our food system. Read this article from the Ann Arbor Chronicle for a summary of the day and many of the innovative ideas that were discussed |
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New Volunteer Opportunities |
Growing Hope is seeking volunteers to help with winter maintenance of the Growing Hope Center. Check out this and other updated volunteer opportunities at our website! |
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Growing Hope Wishlist |
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We are preparing for the growing season, but we can't do it without your help! We are seeking donations of:
Old Barnwood
Remay/Frost Cloth
2' and 4' Shop Lights and Fixtures
Snow Shovels
Untreated Lumber
And more! See our complete list |
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FARMING IN THE CITY:
Urban Farmers' Breakfast
& Survey Need You
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Are you an urban farmer, or are you interested in urban farming? Come join us from 7-9 am on February 16th at Beezy's Cafe for the second Ypsi Urban Farmers' Breakfast to talk about the future of urban agriculture, community gardening, and CSAs in Ypsilanti. The first meeting was a resounding success with 20 bright-eyed attendees. Based on the vision and ideas generated at the first meeting, we created an Ypsi Urban Farmer Survey, and hope that you will take it! It'll take about 20 minutes. For more information or to rsvp, contact Daniel at 734-786-8401, or email dan@growinghope.net |
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Seeking Seed Starting Squad! |
 Join our team to help us-- and you-- get growing in March! We're looking for folks-- experienced or not-- to start seeds for us this spring in their homes, apartments, offices, or anywhere! We like relationships that are win-win, so here's what we're dreaming up: We'll provide you with a grow-light set up-- at least one four foot shop lamp with hot & cool spectrum bulbs, trays, potting mix, and seeds-- and instructions on exactly what we need you to grow for us and when to plant it. We ask that you use half of the space under the lights to grow for us; the other half, you can grow for yourself or friends and neighbors. If we have extra seeds you can grow some of ours for yourself, or you can provide your own. Once the seed-starting season is over, you either return the light set-up to us, or you can buy it from us and keep it for yourself. We know there's no guarantee that everything will turn out, but are hoping that if enough people try, we'll have an abundance to plant, share, & sell! Ready to sign up for the Squad? Email dan@growinghope.net or call us at 734-786-8401, and we'll put you on the list! We'll have the set ups ready by March 1!
On Saturday, February 28th, join us from 10 am-2 pm to help build the seed starting set ups. If you'd like to build one for yourself that day, you can pay us for the materials. Location is to be determined. RSVP to dan@growinghope.net.
Whether you're on the Squad or not, join us on Wednesday evening April 22-- Earth Day-- for a SEEDLING & SEED SWAP. Bring seeds and seedlings you'd like to swap with other gardeners, and turn in any you've grown for us. Time and location to be determined. RSVP to dan@growinghope.net. |
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Garden Mentor Program |
Growing Hope is developing a garden mentor program so that new and experienced gardeners can learn from and support each other! We would hope garden mentors could visit their mentees' gardens at least once in a month during the growing season, and be available by phone or email for occasional support and guidance. Our aim is to encourage new gardeners at all income levels to gain social support from experienced growers. We'll match people based on geography, interest, and time availability. Interested in being a mentor or mentee? Please get in touch at karen@growinghope.net or call us at 786-8401. | |
In gratitude & hope--
The Growing Hope Team
Amanda, Karen, Meg, Dan, Sarah, Ashley, Raman, Kelly, Roy, Ryan, Terry & the GH Board of Directors
Growing Hope is a 501c3 nonprofit in Washtenaw County dedicated to helping people improve their lives & communities through gardening. We hope you'll join our efforts.
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