Food System Development
The Marion-Polk Food Share Community Gardens Program strives to support an integrated, healthy ecology of gardens. In a sense, we hope to “work ourselves out of a job” by creating a self-sustaining network of gardens. The following are projects meant to develop the gardens and gardeners of Marion & Polk counties, to inspire them, to connect them, and to link them with those who need their harvests the most. These services are offered to the public, not just community gardeners.
The Marion-Polk Community Gardens Network Page
http://www.marionpolkgardens.ning.com
This is a social networking site for gardeners in Marion and Polk Counties. Start a profile, share pictures, ask questions in the forum, give away or request garden supplies and post events.
Grow-A-Row for the Hungry
We encourage you to grow an extra patch of food for the hungry in our community. Marion-Polk Food Share will gladly accept donations of home-grown produce of any kind and distribute it to one of our many food pantries. You may also donate directly to a food pantry in your neighborhood. Simply give us a call or email to get connected with a local pantry. 503-581-3855, imcdonald@marionpolkfoodshare.org
Marion-Polk Food Share’s Edible Landscape
The landscape at our warehouse headquarters is an educational, edible environment. Designed by Dan Fahndrich at Far West Gardens, we are showcasing ecological gardening and landscape design. Features include fruit trees, edible perennials, polycultural companion planting, composting, and a Solar Gem greenhouse. Stop by anytime to check it out, or call to schedule a tour. 1660 Salem Industrial Dr., Salem, OR 97301. 503-581-3855, ext. 329.
Events & Workshops
We continuously develop and host workshops on gardening topics and larger community events. Please see the Calendar or The Marion-Polk Community Gardens Network Page for current information.
Gardening Resources
Beaver State Permaculture
http://www.beaverstatepermaculture.com/
Permaculture networking site, based in Corvallis.
Chickens in the Yard (CITY)
http://www.salemchickens.com/
Salem chicken-keeping advocacy group.
Marion County Environmental Services
http://www.co.marion.or.us/PW/ES/
Source for compost and other services.
Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District
http://www.marionswcd.net/
Source for manure and other services.
Master Gardeners
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/marion/master-gardeners
Offers Master Gardener courses and a wealth of gardening knowledge to the general public. Gardening Help Desk numbers: Marion County: 503-373-3770; Polk County: 503-623-8395.
Neighborhood Harvest
http://www.salemharvest.org/
Have extra fruit or other edibles on your property? Neighborhood Harvest will harvest it and distribute to families in need.
OSU Extension Service
http://www.co.marion.or.us/OSU/
Extensive resource for gardening and horticulture.
Sustainable Salem
http://www.friendsofsalemsaturdaymarket.org/
Nonprofit dedicated to educating the community about sustainable agriculture and local foods.
Pringle Creek Community/Urban Farmer Certification Program http://www.pringlecreek.com/
An intentional community that hosts the Urban Farmer Certification Program, as well as other sustainability projects.