Membership

WHO CAN JOIN?

Anyone can participate in the events and workshops or  join the Maloca Community Garden — regardless of their York University affiliation. All of our events are free! However, the membership fee is $10 if you would like to participate in the communal plot harvest, and $20 if you can make a greater time commitment and would like an individual plot. We would like to stress that no previous gardening experience is necessary; each time in the garden is a  learning experience!

If you would like to purchase an individual plot, please send your inquiries via e-mail to maloca.yorku@gmail.com or drop by the site. Please be advised that plots for the upcoming 2012 growing season will be available for purchase beginning in mid-March.

TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN THE MALOCA COMMUNITY GARDEN @ YORK UNIVERSITY

1. Access to Local, Organic Produce

The Garden grows a wide variety of vegetables and herbs, with an emphasis on local heirloom varieties. Despite what the major retailers stock, vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes and chard come in a variety of colours! We usually harvest from June to September, and the $10 or $20 membership fee provides you with continuous access to fresh produce during that period.

2. We Put the “COMMUNITY” in Community Garden

Access to the Garden is not restricted to York University members or Faculty of Environmental Studies students. Many individuals and families from the surrounding community have a history of participating in the Garden. In addition, we regularly host social events such as group work days and potlucks so that members and volunteers have an opportunity to meet ‘n mingle.

3. Think Globally, Act Locally

By participating in a community garden, especially one that is dedicated to the principles of organic gardening, you are making measurable contributions towards decreasing your ecological footprint and improving food security.

4. No Experience Needed

Participating in a community garden is a hands-on, shared learning experience. There are plenty of opportunities to attend workshops and learn from more experienced members of the garden. Furthermore, you educate yourself on caring for the vegetables that interest you most.

5. A Supportive Team

We will all have times when we can’t make it to the garden. The benefit of a community garden and shared responsibility is that there will always someone else available to make sure that the plants are cared for if you are not able to make it to the Garden.

6. An Opportunity to Earn Credits

Starting Summer 2011, Undergraduate and Graduate students in the Faculty of Environmental Studies have been given a unique opportunity to combine involvement in the Maloca Community Garden with an Individual Directed Study and earn 6 credits towards their degree.

7. Fresh Air!

Gardening provides individuals with a reason to get outside, exercise and enjoy the sunshine. Gardening is accessible and it accommodates all activity levels, ranging from planting seeds to intense soil preparation.

8. Budget-Friendly

Cultivating an individual plot at the Maloca Community Garden only costs $20 per season. While you are responsible for purchasing your own seeds and plants, you have free access to education, tools and social events. For this reasonable price, you will get far more organic vegetables than you would with $20 at a farmers’ market or grocery store.

9. An Escape From the City

York University campus and the City of Toronto can sometimes seem like a concrete jungle. The Garden is located in a secluded corner of campus near the Black Creek Parkland, surrounded by fields and the remnants of a historic orchard. You’ll see likely see rabbits and birds such as red-winged blackbirds. Even deer stop by for a visit. There are picnic tables and benches on-site, so you’re welcome to bring a picnic!

10. Participating in Urban Agriculture

Whether you only have a short walk or you take the TTC, the trip home carrying freshly-harvested vegetables will spark a great deal of interest and the occasional great conversation with those you encounter. Urban agriculture is a unique experience, and we guarantee you’ll be surprised by its multiple rewards!