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Growing to Green 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

 Award winners will be announced at the Harvest Awards Ceremony on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at 6pm in the Wells Barn at Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Save the Date!

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

2023 Growing to Green Harvest Awards Categories

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. (Open for nomination)

  • Describe how you have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the garden and community. (350 words or less)
  • Site specific examples of how you have positively impacted the community by working with this garden(s). (350 words or less)

An award of $250 will be given to the winner to be applied toward their community gardening project.

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. 

  • Explain unique features or ideas that represent the character and identity of this garden project. (350 words or less)
  • Site specific examples of how this project has positively impacted the community. (350 words or less)
  • Describe any programming that is implemented within the garden/organization.  (350 words or less)

An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.

 

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.

  • Explain what type of unique education is being provided. (350 words or less)
  • What might set this education garden apart from others? Site specific examples of how this project has positively impacted the community. (350 words or less)

An award of $500 will be given to the top garden in this category.

 

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. (Open for nomination)

  • Describe how you have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the garden and community. (350 words or less)
  • Site specific examples of how you have positively impacted the community by working with this garden. (350 words or less)
  • Share your experience working in the garden and the community.  (350 words or less)

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.

 

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.

  • Describe the unique sustainability features or ideas that represent the character and identity of this garden project. (350 words or less)
  • Site specific examples of how this project has positively impacted the surrounding community and the environment through a sustainability perspective. (350 words or less)

$250 will be awarded to further advance the sustainability of the 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.

  • Describe unique features and ideas that represent the character and identity of this garden project. (350 words or less)
  • Site specific examples of how this project has positively impacted the community. (350 words or less)

An award of $250 will be given to the project that has done the most to benefit its surrounding community.

 

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.

  • Describe what sets your garden apart from others in wellness and health initiatives. (250 words or less)
  • Provide examples of how this garden has an impact on the health and vitality of the community while developing connections to Nutrition, Wellness, and/or Food Production. (200 words or less)
  • Describe any future plans for this garden. (250 words or less)

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.

 

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.

  • Describe what sets your garden apart from others in leadership and education. (250 words or less)
  • Provide examples of how this garden has made an impact on the health and vitality of the community through children’s education, job training and/or celebrating culture. (200 words or less)
  • Describe any future plans for this garden. (250 words or less)

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.

 

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