Alameda Backyard Growers Turns 5


Alameda Sun, Sun Staff
Thursday, April 9, 2015

Five years ago, Alameda Backyard Growers (ABG) sprouted its first tender shoots when 30 friends and neighbors gathered at High Street Station to talk about gardening and how to share extra produce from their yards with the Alameda Food Bank.

Today, ABG stays in contact with around 600 local gardeners and enjoys a regular attendance of 40 or more people at its monthly gardening workshops held at Rhythmix Cultural Works. The group’s Project PICK team picks thousands of pounds of fruit from local trees every year to donate to the food bank. ABG provides community education at special events year-round.

ABG board members and volunteers have been active in the city’s planning efforts for the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park and the Alameda Community Garden, which will be located in the park. The two groups are collaborating to bring a special program to the community as ABG celebrates its fifth anniversary.

Friends, supporters and dedicated volunteers are invited Sunday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Trident Room, at Albert H. DeWitt Officers’ Club, 641 West Red Line Ave.

Guest speakers will be Bill Maynard, president of the American Community Garden Association, and Sam Foushee, coordinator of the Emeryville Community Organic Garden.

Alameda Recreation and Parks Department is hosting the event with support from Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 239-PICK, email alamedabackyard growers@gmail.com, or visit ABG’s web site at www.alamedabackyardgrowers.org.