Community Garden Magazine Issue Two October 2015 | Page 27

American Community Gardening Association (ACGA) Thirty-five years ago ACGA was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1978. Today, our national office is located at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. Our board members, from across the U.S. representing diverse walks of life, continue to uphold ACGA’s mission: “to build community by increasing and enhancing community gardening and greening across the United States and Canada.” ACGA is a membership based organization committed to educating, empowering and connecting community gardeners across North America. “ACGA is the go-to-source for information on community gardening”, says Bill Maynard, board member from Sacramento, California and Life Member. ACGA’s “10 Steps to Start a Community Garden” is available on our website and have contributed to the creation of countless community gardens. Last year ACGA provided over $45,000 in grants to Communities to help educate, build, and sustain community gardens. Educational opportunities include our Monthly Expert Panels Teleconference, 2 day - Growing Communities Workshops, 4 day - Annual Conferences, and our new website which is home to Garden Mosaics - garden lessons for middle school students. “For 35 years ACGA has integrated environmental education into our communities, our schools and other aspects of society through community gardening and urban agriculture”, states Bobby Wilson board member from Atlanta, Georgia and Life Member. Become a part of ACGA by registering your garden and joining as a member at www.communitygarden.org or call us at (877) ASK- ACGA. Donate what you can to the American Community Gardening Association. It will be Greatly Appreciated! 27