Vision, Mission & Values
Our Vision:
Our vision is to bring the community together through gardens, individual plot farming opportunities, access to farm animals and paved walking paths; working in companionship with nature and each other – celebrating the diversity of our community across ages, backgrounds, abilities and cultures.
Our Mission:
The mission of St. Francis Gardens is to offer community members the opportunity to connect with nature and each other, as well as grow fresh, organic food in The Garden Patch. St. Francis Gardens will provide a serene and peaceful environment that is pet-friendly, as well as therapeutic for all ages.
St. Francis Gardens follows organic practices – everything we teach and do is about working in harmony with nature.
- Promotes physical and mental health in our community by offering a place to reconnect with nature; a space to enjoy companionship, quiet the mind, relax and relieve stress.
- Works to strengthen our community by providing an inclusive environment, reaching out to, and encouraging participation by all who have an interest in gardening.
- Promotes food security and food self-sufficiency in the community, providing space and resources for individuals and households to garden in The Garden Patch, regardless of income level, using environmentally sustainable organic practices.
Our Values:
We honor our connection to the earth. We maintain a green space which supports biodiversity and nurtures it for future generations. We use and teach sustainable organic gardening practices, working to improve soil health and fertility.
We value inclusion and accessibility for all. We offer paved paths, garden plots, tools, water, and soil amendments on site and provide support for those with special needs. The Garden Patch members are encouraged to take an active role in management and decision-making.
We support access to healthy, affordable food. The Garden Patch members can share their own bounty with local food pantries and kitchens if they wish. They support each other in learning how to grow fruits and vegetables, share seeds and plant clippings, and adapt culturally important foods from other parts of the world to our local environment.
We promote food justice, outreach, and collaboration. We offer an inclusive environment and are dedicated to community self-reliance and education. We strive to collaborate with other community garden and food system organizations to create access to quality food for all.
We are mindful of the health of our community. We believe all should be nourished in body and mind by access to healthy food and a safe place to be outdoors and to exercise; enjoying the restoration which can come from engaging in physical movement and gardening activities, friendly interactions with others, and being immersed in the natural and inclusive environment of the St. Francis Gardens.
We value creativity and openness as we adapt to the challenges of climate change. We see understanding and preparing for climate change as essential. We seek information and insight into how to change our practices so that we can continue to sustainably produce quality food even as the world we live in is always changing.
We value joy and fun in our endeavors. Sharing the experience of garden exploration, farm animals, gardening plots and working with others on common projects; enjoying the successes and lessons of crop failure can be a joyful experience. We aim to celebrate life, friendship, and creativity in the St. Francis Gardens. We hope to see people of all ages and abilities playing, discovering nature, and sharing their pleasure of being outside.
St. Francis Community Gardens
3074 N Route 9
Ocean View, NJ 08230
[email protected]