Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program Seeking Applicants for 2016

The City of Somerville is sponsoring the 2016 Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program (UAAP). Taught by Green City Growers, a Somerville-based urban agriculture company, the program is now seeking applicants for the 2016 class. The UAAP, which started as a pilot in 2013, will train 20 residents in urban growing techniques in exchange for 30 hours of volunteer service in garden projects across the city. Four intensive workshops will take place on Saturdays in April and May (April 16, 23, and 30, and May 7), covering topics including building raised beds, planting and harvesting, troubleshooting pests, and an introduction to bee- and chicken-keeping.

In exchange for the free training, the residents will be asked to volunteer for at least 30 hours at a community based gardening project in Somerville.

The program is open to all Somerville residents and the deadline is March 18. Applications can be picked up at a Somerville public library, City Hall or can be downloaded at the City’s website at http://www.somervillema.gov/urbanag or by emailing urbanagambassadors@gmail.com. More information on the City’s urban ag initiatives can also can also be found on the City’s Urban Agriculture Blog: http://somervilleurbanag.tumblr.com.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Betsy Allen, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or BAllen@somervillema.gov.