2024 Annual Meeting Recap
Our 2024 Annual Meeting took place on Friday, November 8, with the fitting theme of “Harvest Homecoming.” It was a beautiful day at MOFGA in Unity, where our community came together to celebrate the successes of the past year.
Guests enjoyed the opportunity to attend a “Fruit Tree Care with Students” workshop led by C.J. Walke, MOFGA’s Orchard Program Manager. C.J. shared his extensive knowledge on fruit tree care, covering essential techniques from protecting young trees to pruning for longevity. Many attendees, who were familiar with MOFGA through the Common Ground Fair, found it refreshing to explore the peaceful grounds in the company of fellow school garden enthusiasts.
Our second workshop took place in the exhibit hall, where Laurie Bowen, a Food Systems Professional with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Certified Master Food Preserver, and ServSafe proctor and instructor, led a food preservation demo. Laurie provided expert tips on safe and effective preservation practices, demonstrating with a batch of blueberry jam.
Following the workshops, guests gathered for a potluck meal filled with great conversation. Brittany Layman, MSGN’s Board Chair, then presented the Annual Report, highlighting the impactful work our board members, staff, and supporters accomplished over the year.
The evening wrapped up with door prizes donated by Skillins Greenhouses, PineTree Seeds, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Fedco Seeds, Meeting House Farm, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, MOFGA, and Wild Seed Project. It was a wonderful evening of connection and celebration, and we’re excited to see what 2025 brings!
2023 Annual Meeting Recap
Our 2023 Annual Meeting was held at the beautiful Gilsland Farm Audubon Center in Falmouth. The theme, “Sowing Seeds of Learning” came from the idea of using native plants that are in the season of spreading their seeds and talking about grains (one of the most delicious edible seeds!) to sow ideas for teaching students.
The event began with a session titled, “Native Plants for Nature Study,” given by Maine Audubon’s Andy Kapinos. Andy led guests on a native plant walk discussing how to use Maine’s natural setting to teach students and different edible and medicinal plants that can be found.
The second session was titled, “A Story of Farm to Pizza Happening in Maine.” We were so grateful to have Amber Lambke of Maine Grains and Heather Kerner of The Good Crust with us to lead this session. Amber gave a rich history of growing grains and the movement to bring back growing grains locally. We got to see a virtual tour of their mill and become inspired through hearing about all the amazing varieties we can grow right here in Maine. Heather talked about founding The Good Crust and their mission to “nourish our community with good food, local grains and inclusive careers.” The Good Crust makes pizza dough with 100% Maine grown grains and has created awesome partnerships with school nutrition departments. We heard some great ideas about making pizza with students with local ingredients, a pizza dough stretching demo and some delicious samples!
Following the professional development sessions we were able to spend time together as a community for a delicious pot luck meal. It was great to hear the room full of conversation and connections being made. Guests were able to witness the premier of MSGN’s video, titled: “Promoting and Supporting Educational Gardens for Youth” created by Just One Look Media. We wrapped up the evening with our Annual Report and some great door prizes thanks to our sponsors.
2022 Annual Meeting Recap
Using the School Garden to Help Our Students, Schools, and Communities Heal
Our first in person gathering after two years of virtual meetings was held in the beautiful setting of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (CMBG). Our meeting began with a professional development session led by Horticultural Therapist Irene Barber, which included a walk through the sensory garden, a talk on the practices of horticultural therapy in the outdoor classroom plus a hands-on planting activity! Attendees were able to get their hands in the soil and take home the rosemary and succulent pots they created. Learn more about therapeutic horticulture services at CMBG here.
Self guided tours of the grounds were followed by a gathering with our community for a meal, always such a special time for us and gave us the chance to hear all the great work school gardens are accomplishing across Maine! Before the business section of our program, educators from Old Town and Etna-Dixmont Elementary School shared some of the ways their gardens are creating healing spaces for their students, schools and communities.
A special thank you to our in kind sponsors: Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Benson Farm Organic Products, ChopChop Magazine, FEDCO, Maine Garden Products, Skillins Nursery and Wyman’s of Maine. We thank everyone who came to the event and look forward to hosting again next year!
If you or your organization would like to be a sponsor of this event next year, please email Susan Sager, Coordinator, at susan@msgn.org Stay tuned for information!
