Is there an individual, business or organization changing our food system, increasing food access or helping to improve the environment in Central Virginia? Is someone championing community gardens? Or is there a business composting its food waste? How about a church working on food security?

Now’s your chance to nominate them for a Golden Trowel. In 100 words or less describe what the individual or organization is doing or provide links to the projects. You can email nominations to learn@tricyclegardens.org.

The Board of Directors happily announces the appointment of Sally G. Schwitters as the new Executive Director of Tricycle Gardens beginning August 22, 2011.

Mrs. Schwitters has worked in non-profit advancement for the the Conductor’s Guild, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters and the Virginia State Golf Association Foundation, where she helped successfully raise nearly $19 million. Before moving back to her native Richmond, Mrs. Schwitters was the workshop director for the Real Goods Solar Living Institute in northern California. There she oversaw a calendar of classes and events that covered everything from renewable energy to permaculture gardening. In addition to her professional experience, she helped build the school garden at Bon Air Elementary and serves on the Board of Directors for the Partnership for Smarter Growth.

“Tricycle Gardens is excited to begin this new chapter with Sally. We have the support, the goodwill and the partners to help build a region that is healthier and greener. We have big plans to expand our food production, food access and educational offerings, and we know Sally is the person with the vision and skills to help us achieve those goals,” said Will Snyder, Chairman of the Board for Tricycle Gardens.

Come help us spruce up our Permaculture Garden at the Science Museum of Virginia and get a free work out!

See our Events Page for More Details.

We’ll be cutting back grasses, weeding, and adding compost and mulch around our trees and bed areas. Learn about Permaculture while you work!

Have Extra Newspaper or cardboard? – we can use it for mulch!  Please contact Scotty to let her know.

Sadly, one of our two orchards in Church Hill was destroyed by vandals who uprooted all of 34 of our fruit trees at a site on North 32nd Street. Obviously we’re distraught that someone would commit such an act and we’re sad that all of the volunteer work (nearly 200 hours) has been lost. The trees included figs, apples, pears, pomegranates and juneberries. They were mostly heirloom varieties and ranged in age from 3-7 years. Our organization has always worked to be part of the communities we serve and have experienced almost no vandalism to our various gardens and urban farm in the past. We appreciate everyone’s support and concern and know that with your help we will continue to plant and replant until all Richmonders have access to healthy, fresh food.

Sincerely,
Will Snyder