Community Voices Podcast: Chris Randall, Executive Director of the New Haven Land Trust
In this interview Chris Randall discusses what it takes to get involved with the community. He also talks about the impact of community gardening and the work of the New Haven Land Trust.
Comments
Nice interview Chris. As a devoted volunteer for the Land Trust and now president of the board I am glad you made the points about community gardening being a pathway to civic engagement. Its easy to think of gardening only in light of the healthy food or environmental benefits. I am sure many people do not realized that there are numerous studies linking community gardening to: increased property values, crime reduction and higher levels of civic participation. The American Community Gardening Association has plently of research posted on the subject.
For example on crime reduction in St. Louis
http://www.gatewaygreening.org/WhitmireStudy.asp
or
on increased property values in New York
http://lsr.nellco.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1049&context=nyu/lewp
I really relate to what you said about your sense of place growing from your community engagement. I've lived in many different places, but getting involved with the New Haven Land Trust has helped me feel 'at home' and connected to the community in a very tangible way. The gardening program has grown exponentially here and in so many other cities. I bet there are lots of testimonials that would corroborate that gardens create a common ground that transcends political and personal differences.
What would need to happen for the city of New Haven to start a composting program?
Add new comment