Community Gardens
We have several gardens in both Gardner & Winchendon that need tending. Community Learning Garden, CAC Gardens, Winchendon School Gardens.
This will benefit the local residents.
Volunteers are needed.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact Jordyn @ crosslj151@gmail.com
Beautifying the Landscape
A community garden creates a green, living space where birds and beneficial insects congregate.
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The carefully planned layouts, diverse plant species, and artistic arrangement of elements add an aesthetic charm that contributes to the overall beauty of the neighborhood.
Cleaning up the Environment
Plants naturally add oxygen to the air that people breathe. At the same time, they contribute to cleaner air by removing air pollution.
Plants further absorb rainwater, which means that there is less runoff in the streets. This, in turn, means that fewer pollutants are washed into rivers, streams, and lakes.
Relieving Stress
Modern life is stressful.
Gardening is an invitation to slow down, connect with nature, and foster relationships with like-minded individuals.
It creates an opportunity for people to think about all of the other items on their to-do list and decide which ones are really important and meaningful. The rest is just noise.
Building Stronger Communities
Participating in a community garden provides neighbors with an opportunity to connect on a one-on-one basis.
People who might otherwise have been cooped up at home, leading a solitary life, are brought out into the community where they can interact with others.
When people take a plot in a community garden, they foster a sense of ownership and begin to feel more personally invested in their neighborhood.
Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
Because people would have more ready access to fresh fruits and vegetables, they have an opportunity to be healthier.
It also leads to healthier lifestyles because it encourages regular exercise. Being active in the outdoors is a wonderful way to help avoid being sedentary, which is a major contributor to obesity.
Opportunities for Learning
Educational opportunities abound in community gardens. They are a wonderful place for people to interact with individuals who may have different cultural, social, and religious backgrounds.
Moreover, working together in the garden may be a great way to discuss environmental issues and how to live a healthier life.
People may share the knowledge they have gained about growing bigger and better produce while also gaining knowledge about business principles and working as a team.
Community gardening is especially valuable for children who may know little about where food comes from and how it is grown because it gives them a chance to participate in the food supply chain.
Some people will find a mentor among their fellow gardeners, and more than one will discover a lifelong friend.