Shilo Community Gardens on the corners of Petawawa and Kingston, near where the youth gardening initiative is planing seeds of change. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)

With files from: Krysten Monaghan-Mace:
Edited by: Shilo Stag Media

In the heart of the CFB Shilo community, a vibrant new volunteer initiative is taking root, nurturing young minds and flourishing gardens. The Community Youth Garden Program is becoming a beacon of sustainability, education, and community engagement, inspiring the next generation to dig deep into the earth and cultivate change.

“As we witness the blossoming of both gardens and young minds, it’s clear the Community Youth Garden Program is sowing the seeds of a brighter future for generations to come,” Krysten Monaghan-Mace, program facilitator, said on May 28.

The gardens are rejuvenating a once-empty lot at the corners of Petawa and Kingston Ave. The blossoming of the enterprise was a long-term goal of the facilitator, who said many hours have been invested in the fruition of the garden by PSP GSH staff, Shilo Community Council, and the Shilo MFRC.

Through hands-on gardening workshops, children and teenagers learn essential skills, from planting and watering to composting and harvesting. Beyond nurturing plants, participants propagate a deep connection to nature and a sense of responsibility for environmental stewardship.

The program’s impact extends far beyond the garden beds, she said. It fosters a sense of belonging and unity among participants, working together towards a common goal. By tending to the soil, youth also ripen friendships, teamwork, and leadership skills, which are essential for personal growth and future success.

The program facilitator said that the Community Youth Garden Program is a stimulant for positive change in the community.

“It beautifies neglected spaces and promotes access to fresh, nutritious produce for our youth.”

“The program’s success is a testament to the dedication of its organizers, volunteers, and supporters. Their commitment to empowering youth and fostering a sustainable future has transformed a once-empty lot into a thriving oasis of production and opportunity,” Monaghan-Mace said.

Already planning program expansion to include forest walks, the study of local plant life and diversity in the prairies, Monaghan-Mace said those wanting to become involved in the action should contact the Military Family Resource Centre to register for the program running every Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.