Community Connections

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities within the community? Growing to Green’s Community Connections program is for anyone interested in volunteering within community garden spaces throughout Central Ohio. Experienced Growing to Green staff will be on-site with expertise and guidance. No garden experience is needed. This is a great opportunity to give back to your community and learn about all of the cool and impactful gardens in our neighborhoods. Volunteers must sign up individually.

Would you like Community Connections to volunteer at your community garden? Contact Lauren Preston at [email protected]

Meet the Instructors

Sean McKay Sean McKay is the Growing to Green Coordinator at Franklin Park Conservatory with a wide range of experiences and education in horticulture, urban farming, landscape design, community outreach, and activism. He's passionate about sharing his love of the natural world and empowering people to grow their own food.

Lauren Preston Lauren Preston is the Growing to Green Educator at Franklin Park Conservatory. She manages the on-site community garden program and leads youth programs. She is passionate about educating the community about where their food comes from and how to use that food to make nutritious meals that promote health.

Cindy Maravich Cindy Maravich is the Community Education Manager at Franklin Park Conservatory. She oversees all community education initiatives including the Growing to Green program, Community Gardening, Outreach, Adult, Culinary, Farmers' Market, and the Teen Corps program. She enjoys getting people excited, interested, and educated about plants, nature, and gardening.

Michele Bailey Michele Bailey coordinates our Farmers Market and our Teen Corps program. She is a Franklin County Master Garden volunteer and has been active for many years in school and community gardens. She is very interested in supporting our local food system and food access for all. She is also a professional actor!