The Latest Dirt - September 2024

Community Gardens Welcome New Leads

By Meb Phillips

The leaves on my red oak tree are already starting to turn, a sign that Fall will soon be here. It’s Nature’s reminder to let go and welcome change. Some things are also changing within the powerhouse group of CoCoMG Community Gardeners. Let’s celebrate the fantastic job that Karen Maggio has done heading up this project over the last four-plus years! Karen is leaving her leadership position in October. Anna Wendorf and Meb Phillips will Co-Lead the Community Gardens, and in a few more months, we hope to add Anne Sutherland to our three-legged stool. (Note: it takes three of us to do the job that Karen has done!)

During her tenure, Karen was the steadfast backbone and support for our 16 community gardens, including two new demonstration gardens. Not only has the number of gardens grown under her leadership, but the number of UC Master Gardeners participating in our community garden projects has also grown. We will miss Karen’s enthusiasm, leadership and ability to put together and organize teams.

Another change: Fletcher Oakes has created a gorgeous sign for the Community Gardeners to use when supporting a community garden event. UC Master Gardeners are increasingly being asked to participate in public events held by the community garden and provide information and guidance to the public. We hope these new signs saying we are present and available to answer questions help build visibility for our community gardens and our organization’s efforts to share our resources and support these important community connectors.