Garden Education Program Newsletter
December 2018
Greetings from the Gardens!
It's the time of year when seed catalogs start arriving in the mailbox, and gardeners get to take a breath before gearing up for spring. We are excited to share that between our Eastside & Westside Learning Gardens and Unity Farm, we grew over 30,000 pounds of produce to share with the community this season! Thank you for being part of it. We have a few updates and volunteer opportunities to share below; stay tuned for more activities in 2019! Happy New Year.
Saludos,

Lisa Waugh , Learning Gardens Program Coordinator  
Devin Dinihanian , Statewide Garden Education Coordinator
Christine Hadekel , Statewide Education and Outreach Manager
Take action:
Food assistance for immigrants on the line!
The Trump Administration wants to change the “public charge” rule. This change would mean that Oregonians who are immigrants and use, or are deemed likely to use, benefits that they need to succeed and thrive in Oregon - like SNAP - could be denied their green card. This change would mean more Oregonians who are immigrants are not likely to seek services they qualify for.

On behalf of everyone experiencing hunger in our community, and especially on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors, we urge you to submit a comment to the Department of Homeland Security. The public has until December 10, 2018 to voice opposition to this unnecessary attempt to further criminalize poverty, hunger, and immigrant families - particularly immigrants of color. Please read more here and submit a comment!  
Volunteer Opportunity: Greenhouse Team Leader

Growing over 13,000 starts in our greenhouse at the Eastside Learning Garden takes a lot of leadership and organization. Interested in learning more about volunteer management and plant propagation? Apply to be a Greenhouse Team Leader for the 2019 season! Applications accepted until Feb 1, 2019.
Volunteer Appreciation

Alex Meinhardt just completed his Eagle Scout Project at the Eastside Learning Garden. He raised funds and oversaw the construction of a new picnic table and raspberry trellises. Thank you Alex for your hard work and leadership on this project!
Jobs and Professional Development
Job Opportunities:
  • Oregon Food Bank is hiring a Food Resource Developer, several positions for drivers, and a Branch Operations Specialist in The Dalles.
  • Marion Polk Food Share in Salem is hiring a Community Gardens and Education Program Coordinator.
  • Zenger Farm is hiring a Development Director and On Call Farm Educators.
V olunteer / Professional Development:
  • Growing Gardens has volunteer activities listed by season, as well as some internship opportunities.
  • Zenger Farm has a number of volunteer and internship positions open.
  • Kitchen Commons has some ongoing volunteer and internship opportunities.
  • Village Gardens has some volunteer opportunities including Food Works Farm and Fruits of Diversity Orchard.
  • Registration is now open for the OSU Extension Master Gardener Training. Learn more and register.
  • Rogue Farm Corps' farmer training programming is accepting applications for the 2019 season.
  • Bridge City Farm School is accepting applications for their farmer training program in the Portland metro area for 2019.
Gardening Classes and Resources in the Community
Below is a variety of community resources and classes. If you would like to take OFB's Seed to Supper 6-week class series, find classes or join the wait list on our Gardening Classes page.
Great resource. Chapter meetings open to public with monthly speakers. 
Generous donor to our Garden Education program! Free classes at both locations.
Many free classes available.
Planting tips and free classes.
Great page with gardening resources.
Education, supplies, land access, and local food for urban gardening opportunities. 

Creates neighborhood gardens for you and your neighbors in need.
Learn and Grow Workshop Series offers a variety of educational resources.

Offers tree care workshops to learn more about keeping fruit trees healthy.