Our Community Development program engages targeted populations that typically don’t have the opportunity to participate in hands-on environmental stewardship activities. Our work taps into the assets of higher-need communities providing multiple social, health and economic benefits to participants including new Canadians, youth at-risk, seniors and socially isolated individuals. We help overcome barriers to participation and build lasting connections between people and the landscapes they share.

Our program is built on the principle that urban greening is intrinsically linked to community health and wellness, safety, nutrition, food security, economic sustainability and social justice Working in collaboration with social service agencies and public land managers, we enable gardening and stewardship projects—be it native wildflower planting or vegetable growing—to strengthen community ties, animate public spaces and empower individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to be environmental stewards.

How we can help you:

• Project Design and Facilitation
  We will work with your organization and clients to envision, design and implement a successful project through a participatory process and develop a fundraising strategy to support it. Click here for an example.
• Hands-on Training
  Our community workshops cover a wide range of topics: How to launch a successful community greening project, Garden Programming for Social Service Agencies, Environmental Grant Seeking, organic gardening 101, and more.
• Resources
  We provide the tools, resources and community connections to help you plan, implement and sustain successful greening initiatives. For example, if you are a service agency looking to establish a community garden program, check out our guidebook Growing Opportunities.
• Grants
  Evergreen provides funding to community groups, social service agencies, health centres and others who are undertaking community greening projects on publicly accessible lands. We will help you develop a solid proposal and guide you through the application process. Click here for more information.

Check out these sample projects:

• Emmett Avenue Community Garden – neighbours from around the world have come together to transform part of their park to a successful food garden
• Fort York Community Garden – transforming a historical landmark through the cultivation and celebration of food
• Take BAC 13 – youth-driven greening initiatives in Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods
• Vancouver City Hall Community Garden – 30 plots and a communal bed right on the lawn of City Hall!