Orcharding Between the Lines: How Planting Tree Can Remedy a Redlined Past

Few metropolitan areas escaped the devastating effects of redlining. Decades later, areas deemed “hazardous” or least desirable (primarily neighborhoods with people of color) are still facing the long-term effects of redlining, such as faulty infrastructure, lack of green space, and limited access to fresh, healthy food. The Giving Grove is committed to helping address these disparities. For that reason, we recently analyzed the location of Giving Grove orchards in relation to neighborhoods impacted by redlining. In this blog, a Giving Grove intern reflects on the findings of this research.

Community, Knowledge, OpportunityGuest UserMay 25, 2021Food Policy, Redlining, Equity

The Post-Pandemic Gardening Frontier

Over the past year of pandemic-driven confinement, people across the world turned to new hobbies to occupy their newfound free time. For some people, that new hobby was baking homemade sourdough or learning to paint. Many, however, tried filling their time and their yards by testing the greenness of their thumbs. Interest in buying and caring for plants saw a staggering increase last year, and for good reason.

Knowledge, Health, OpportunityGuest UserApril 29, 2021Guest Blog, Gardening

Plant a Tree in Honor of Earth Day!

Celebrated by more than 1 billion people across 192 countries, Earth Day is the world’s largest civic observance! Created over 50 years ago by then-Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day is a day to spread awareness about environmental sustainability and promote environmental protection.

Opportunity, SustainabilitySarah SikichApril 15, 2021Earth Day, Tree Planting

Steward Spotlight: Janett Lewis

Janett Lewis, a steward of the GROW Spanish Lake little orchard in St. Louis, MO, genuinely understands the importance of permaculture in the fight against food insecurity. As a community organizer and urban farmer, Janett spends most of her time at her farm, Rustic Roots Sanctuary, tending to her goats, chickens, a rabbit, and four beehives.

Community, Kindness, OpportunitySarah SikichApril 14, 2021Steward Spotlight, Green Zone

Make Fruitful Difference This Arbor Day

Nothing sparks as much excitement and anticipation for Kansas City gardeners as the warmer temperatures and longer days that come in April. Every year we anxiously await the thawing of soil so that we may tenderly plant, care for, and harvest our annual vegetable gardens, enjoying the fruits of our labors for many months of the year. Tomatoes, peppers, greens, and beans are sure to be on your list of veggies this year, but have you considered adding a fruit tree to the mix?

Opportunity, Community, SustainabilitySarah SikichApril 7, 2021Arbor Day, Tree Planting

Steward Spotlight: Zachary Hoppenstedt

This month, The Giving Grove has a special steward and orchard to introduce to readers: Zachary Hoppenstedt with the Johnson County WIC orchard. The WIC orchard is located in Olathe, Kansas, and is part of the Kansas City Community Garden’s Giving Grove program.

Community, Kindness, OpportunitySarah SikichFebruary 18, 2021Steward Spotlight

Steward Spotlight: Laura Gatlin & Carondelet Food Patch

The Giving Grove would like to introduce you to Laura Gatlin! Laura is the steward of the Carondelet Food Patch little orchard in St. Louis, Missouri. This food patch is a community orchard and garden. Volunteers sustainably and inclusively lead it.

Community, Kindness, OpportunitySarah SikichNovember 9, 2020Steward Spotlight

Steward Spotlight: Bruce Noble and Holy Family Community Center

The Giving Grove would like to introduce you to Bruce Noble. He is the steward for the Holy Family Community Center's little orchard. The mission of the Holy Family Community Center is to provide free sack lunches and clothing to their poor and homeless neighbors.

Community, Kindness, OpportunitySarah SikichOctober 28, 2020Steward Spotlight

Fall Fruit Tree Planting!

Fall is a wonderful time to plant a fruit tree in a little orchard. This blog shares helpful resources for proper planting of fruit trees in Giving Groves.

Knowledge, OpportunitySarah SikichOctober 15, 2020Tree Planting, Orchard Maintenance

Steward Spotlight: Tom Simpson, St. Peter & All Saints Episcopal Church

The Giving Grove spotlights an extraordinary steward, Tom Simpson, from Kansas City. The stewards of The Giving Grove are an essential part of The Giving Grove organization. It is from their dedication that The Giving Grove is able to help feel the hungry, create beautiful community space, and a sustainable environment.

Community, Kindness, OpportunitySarah SikichSeptember 17, 2020Steward Spotlight

Steward Spotlight: Kathryn Beauchaine & the Tri-Faith Initiative

To kick off this series of spotlights, we would like to introduce you to Kathryn Beauchaine and The Tri-Faith Initiative from Giving Grove affiliate The Big Garden, in Omaha. Tri-Faith Initiative is a truly unique organization. It brings together a synagogue, church, mosque, and interfaith permanent residences on a 38-acre campus.

Community, Kindness, OpportunitySarah SikichAugust 12, 2020Steward Spotlight

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