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Growing to Green Harvest Awards

The Growing to Green Harvest Awards honors the dedication and hard work of many Central Ohio communities and individuals within urban agriculture and community gardens. Nominations and applications may be made by anyone. The Growing to Green Harvest Awards are officially bestowed at the annual Harvest Award Ceremony.

2023 Growing to Green Harvest Awards Ceremony

 Thank you to all who participated this year! Award winners are listed below.

Contact Sean McKay, Growing to Green Coordinator, at [email protected] with any questions.

2023 Growing to Green Harvest Award Winners

Bill Dawson Community Gardener of the Year Award

Bill Dawson Community Gardener of the Year award is presented to an individual who is exceptionally dedicated to their neighborhood garden and demonstrates leadership within the movement of community gardening in Central Ohio.  An award of $250 will be given to the winner to be applied toward their community gardening project.

Winner: CCS Georgian Heights Elementary

Community Garden of the Year

Community Garden of the Year award is presented to a neighborhood gardening project for: Encouraging the idea that community is just as important as the garden in a community garden. Benefiting biodiversity in wildlife habitat and diversity in the population it serves. Allowing creativity and expression through natural inspiration.  An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.

Winner: Van Buren Community Garden

 

Education Garden of the Year

Education Garden of the Year award is presented to a school or other organization that utilizes garden projects for educational purposes. An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.

Winner: Columbus Early Learning Centers

 

Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award

The Paul B. Redman Youth Leadership Award is presented by the Women’s Board of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, this award is given to an outstanding youth gardener age 18 or younger.  An award of $250 will be given to the winner to further their education and interest in gardening or to make improvements in their community.

Winner: Bexley Love Your Alley

 

Sustainability Award

The Sustainability Award is presented to a garden that is utilizing sustainable community gardening  practices, including community-building activities, sustainable garden design, and utilization of green practices (e.g. rain barrels) and/or has proven sustainable over the long term. $250 will be awarded to further advance the sustainability of the community garden.

Winner: Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Community Garden

Neighborhood Improvement Project of the Year

The Neighborhood Improvement Project of the Year award is presented to a Community Garden, Urban Farm, park, gateway,  streetscape, school or other community beautification or food project. An award of $250 will be given to the project that has done the most to benefit its surrounding community.

Winner: Berwick Alternative Community Garden

 

Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for Wellness and Health

The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for Wellness and Health is presented to a community garden that has shown significant and sustainable impact on the health and vitality of the community while developing connections to Nutrition, Wellness, and/or Food Production. An award of $750 will be given to further impact the community and garden project.

These awards honor Dr. Bowden’s love of gardening as well as his life-long commitment to improve community health and the quality of life for citizens in Central Ohio.

Winner: Friends Garden

 

Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for Education and Leadership

The Boyd W. Bowden Garden Impact Award for education and leadership is presented to a community garden that has shown significant and sustainable impact on the health and vitality of the community through children’s education, job training and/or celebrating culture. An award of $750 will be given to further impact the community and garden project.

These awards honor Dr. Bowden’s love of gardening as well as his life-long commitment to improve community health and the quality of life for citizens in Central Ohio.

Winner: Mezzacello Urban Farm

 

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