Having spent countless hours on the task force that helped bring the Altona Community Garden to life, Joel Martin has now taken over the job of manager from Jack Heppner who retired last fall.
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Martin, who still works full time, says his approach will include new ways of operating the garden.
Not only has he already taken the registration process online, but volunteer ambassadors have been appointed as well.
"To be a presence in the garden while they're there to build relationships with gardeners, especially newcomers. Not that I'm not going to do any of that, it's just this way, we have more outreach for people," explained Martin.
In addition, one person has been hired to work in the garden completing odd jobs, for five hours a week.
Building community
As for what he's got planned at the garden this year, Martin says his goal is to strengthen the relationship with The Community Exchange (TCE) and the Rhineland and Area Food Bank to help further address local food insecurity. That could include dedicating a few plots to growing produce for the organizations to use in free meal programs or to distribute to clients.
"The garden should be accessible to anybody," he said. "People should all have access to good food and quality food. That's important to me."
Martin also hopes to further build community at the garden. One way is to make good use of the timber frame pavilion by hosting evening events and gardening workshops, to name a few.
"I got ideas, it's finding time and also seeing if there's support for it."
Meantime, a few plots still remain available for the upcoming season. More information can be found here.