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Gratitude for solace in the kitchen when the weather turns dreary! And for the fresh lemon thyme and rosemary to use with wine for a stroganoff!

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Giardia, cause of giardiasis (100x magnification). Look like little 👻, don’t they?!

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SeedMoney Campaign! Check it out!

DONATE HERE!

DONATE HERE!

Formerly known as Glass Gardens Greenhouse, the approximately six acres at the end of West Gambier Street in Mount Vernon has experienced a shift in land use since the nursery closed in 2010.

Now known as Community Roots, these abandoned greenhouses and fields are being used as the site of community programs that restore the historical horticultural use, while also developing educational and social programs that target community needs such as high rates of recidivism: 

• Local school science standards (e.g. STEM education goals, etc.)
• Agricultural & horticultural education (eg. 4H, FFA, KCCC, OSU Extension-Knox Co, etc)
• Wilderness skills and programs (scouts, orienteering, camping, bluebird & butterfly monitoring, plant and insect identification, Natural Fit Outdoor Adventures)
• Community Health programs (e.g. TouchPointe, Hospice of Knox County, Opportunity Knox, OhioJobs, MERIT court)

Studies have shown that having natural elements in design and increasing time with nature & greenspace can:

• Lower blood pressure
• Lower rates of aggression
• Lower incidence of mental health issues (1) 
• Incivilities (vandalism, foul language use, etc.) (1)

For this project we would like to partner with Hospice of Knox County Ohio and use our horticulture job training program to grow aromatic fresh herbs to create a therapeutic garden for Hospice programs. 

Since August 2016, we have provided a work place for local probationers sentenced to community service hours while teaching these probationers how to propagate plants from seed and cuttings, as well as manage a greenhouse. 

In May 2016, we began working with a Hospice children's grief group to plant aromatic herbs to help address as service gap formed when Hospice had to let go of their aromatherapist due to budget constraints. The children (who had all lost a parent) planted the herbs in May, and in June we were able to bring the mature plants back to Hospice during a lunchtime event at local grief camp (Camp Hope) the same grief group children were attending. 

With this project specifically, we want to expand on this work and use our current community service probationers to further our direct support of Hospice programs that enrich the quality of life for care receivers as well as the hospice grief therapy programs for those who are losing and have lost loved ones. 

This garden will help Hospice continue to provide  fresh aromatic herbs for client meals and nutritional needs, as well as aromatherapy uses (e.g. pain management, physical comfort) at no cost to Hospice or their clients.

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1.  Kuo, F.E. (2003).  The role of arboriculture in a healthy social ecology: Invited review article for a Special Section. Journal of Arboriculture 29(3), 148-155.

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Knox Co. Ag News: Farms Must Begin Reporting Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Animal Wastes

"Peggy Kirk Hall, Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Resource Law
Ellen Essman, Law Fellow

Beginning November 15, 2017, many livestock, poultry and equine farms must comply with reporting requirements under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) section 103. The law requires entities to report releases of hazardous substances above a certain threshold that occur within a 24-hour period. Farms have historically been exempt from most reporting under CERCLA, but in the spring of 2017 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit struck down the rule that allowed reporting exemptions for farms. As long as there is no further action by the Court to push back the effective date, farmers and operators of operations that house beef, dairy, horses, swine and poultry must begin complying with the reporting requirements on November 15, 2017."

Read more: Farms Must Begin Reporting Air Releases of Hazardous Substances from Animal Wastes

Knox Co Ag News: Lighting Solutions for the Dark Days of Winter

Lighting Solutions for the Dark Days of Winter

November132017

Laura Akgerman – Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility

"Does your workload get lighter as the days get shorter and darker?  Probably not. Animals still need fed and tended to, work needs to get done, and equipment needs fixed.

A well-lit work space is important to ensure that you can work safely and effectively. Task lighting makes work safer and easier, allowing you to see your equipment and workspace. Task lighting can be portable, permanently attached, or you can even wear it. LED lights are one solution for lighting a poorly it area, or upgrading older, expensive to use lights."



Read more: Lighting Solutions for the Dark Days of Winter

Small/New Farm College

Great article from our Knox County Ag News blog!



"Are you a small farm landowner wondering what to do with your acreage?  Are you interested in exploring options for land uses but not sure where to turn or how to begin?  Have you considered adding an agricultural or horticultural enterprise but you just aren’t sure of what is required, from an equipment, labor, and/or management perspective?  Are you looking for someplace to get some basic farm information?  If you or someone you know answered yes to any of these questions, then the Ohio State University New and Small Farm College program may be just what you are looking for."...



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Small/New Farm College