Building Social and Community Capital Through Gardening in Ypsilanti, MI

Abstract

Through their events, programming, and community partnerships, the Ypsilanti-­‐based non-­‐ profit organization Growing Hope has envisioned a future of increased local food production, access, and sovereignty. By engaging in participant-­‐observation in gardens and conducting interviews with staff, volunteers, and people involved in Growing Hope’s programming and activities, I have learned how social networks go far beyond the confines of Growing Hope’s programming. Communities, gardens, organizations, events, markets, fundraisers, and social gatherings create a network of support for local gardening and farming activities—or “civic agriculture”—in both urban and rural settings. This paper will be informed by a survey of current literature on the topics of urban agriculture, community gardening, and non-­‐profit involvement in urban and collective agriculture projects in the United States. I will use insights from the literature in combination with ethnographic research to assess strengths and gaps in Growing Hope’s vision, program implementation, and organization.Master of ScienceNatural Resources and EnvironmentUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/86075/1/Henry, Renee_Practicum.pd