The team at Malvern was one of three winning TakeBAC neighbourhoods. (Photo: Sarah Midanik)
Toronto’s annual TakeBAC program wrapped up on Tuesday after six exciting weeks of hard work. An unusually hot and humid summer made the program especially challenging this year, but the 200 youth involved were undeterred from their goal to create beautiful, vibrant garden spaces in communities around Toronto.
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Posted by Stefan from Common Grounds
Youth planted trees in High Park during TakeBAC 2008 (Photo: Evergreen)
Last week was the official launch of TakeBAC 2010, a six week program for Toronto youth, ages 12 to 15. In partnership with Toronto Community Housing and the City of Toronto, Evergreen’s Community Development team will oversee the progress of numerous greening projects around the GTA. Formerly, the annual program was called “TakeBAC 13,” named for the 13 neighbourhoods involved. This year, that number has expanded to 26! That’s roughly 170 youth!
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Posted by Stefan from Common Grounds
Queen West Garden in progress (Photo: Stefan Elsholtz)
The visitors of Queen West Community Health Centre (Richmond and Bathurst) will soon be enjoying a brand new community garden. This photo was taken on day nine of construction: the garden beds are finally up, and the soil has been delivered!
The 600-square-foot space will consist of four large beds, called the “Forest Garden,” “Butterfly Garden,” “Food Garden,” and “Medicinal Garden.” They will soon be home to a variety of native plant species, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Built entirely from natural, untreated cedar, the beds will last at least 12 years.
The Queen West Centre provides health services, advice, and support to many members of the community, and most have little experience with gardening. The project was conceived, designed, and implemented by the Queen West staff and the Community Development staff at Evergreen, with the goal of turning a barren courtyard space into an urban oasis. Once the beds are filled with soil and the plants are added, the Queen West Centre will independently provide all of the upkeep and maintenance of the garden.
This is one of many community garden projects that Evergreen has recently helped to instigate. Community gardens not only beautify the city, but are good educational tools as well: they provide a means for community members to get together and learn about plants, gardening, and sustainability. They can even inspire people to start gardens of their own!
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Posted by Stefan from Common Grounds
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