Welcome to the Garden Path Society!
The Garden Path Society of Calgary is a local, non-profit organization that is focused on providing garden space for Calgarians. We strive to overcome the urban obstacles that prevent people of all ages and cultures from participating in growing food and plants. With the help of supporters, the Garden Path Society has a positive effect on the health of the city by raising funds to help grow food for charity and to provide spaces for citizens to grow their own abundant harvest in an earth-friendly way.
Our organization has been active in the community for over 10 years in Inglewood, and continues to develop new and innovative ways to support healthy, active people. We have distributed more than 5000 pounds of organic, locally-grown vegetables and have supported more than 400 gardeners every year for at least the past two years. Since we recognize that gardeners are attracted to community gardens for many different reasons, Garden Path has funded 4 different programs – a market recreational communal garden, growing catnip for cat shelters, a garden-based learning program, and providing over 100 rental plots to families and individual gardeners. This gives gardeners and their families the opportunity to select a type of gardening lifestyle that appeals to their particular skills and interests. By allowing this choice in activities, Garden Path hopes to promote a sense of attachment, participation and achievement within the community.
Our success is attributed to the wonderful partners, funding and donors who continue to support Garden Path's vision to be an all-inclusive space devoted to organic gardening and to the great volunteers and board members who have helped Garden Path to grow.
Mission Statement
To provide an organic garden to cultivate plants, build community and share our resources.
Vision
We will be widely recognized as a vibrant, welcoming all-inclusive society. We will engage the community through gardening to create a sense of harmony, pride and ownership. We will be financially, organizationally and environmentally sustainable.
History
In 2000 the Victoria Park Gardens was founded on a lot in the community of Victoria Park. In June, 2003, the garden relocated to Inglewood because we could no longer lease that land. In August of the same year, the garden changed its name to The Garden Path Society of Calgary. In February 2008, the Board of Directors of The Garden Path Society of Calgary approved the expansion of the Cornucopia program to include an Urban Garden Cooperative to be located on the newly leased land adjacent to the existing garden. We now have 103 plots, communal beds and one large communal garden for the Urban Garden Cooperative and food for charities.
Board of Directors
The Garden Path Society would not exist without the Board of Directors, some of whom work full time as volunteers, or who manage a large load on their shoulders. Their work cannot be underestimated as our goals would not be accomplished without their commitment to providing garden spaces for Calgarians. They are extremely active in our initiatives and are the driving force behind the garden. They truly are the water and sunlight that nourishes our plants and people around the garden's path.
The members of the 2011 Board of Directors are:
- Lori Farley - Chair
- Vineetha Jaydeep - Vice Chair
- JoAnn Mulligan - Past Chair & Shire Director
- Gabrielle Jablonski - Cornucopia Director
- Jennifer Day - Volunteer Director
- Loyola Lewis - Learning Director
- Andrew Smith - Community Relations & Communications Director
- Jodi Lucas - Fundraising & Grants Director
- Angelia Harris Gray - Secretary
- Anup Chokshi - Treasurer
- Judy Marsh - Marketing & Events Director
