2008 Annual Report

Growing Gardens is a human services and youth development non-profit organization, based in Boulder, which was established in 1998. Our mission is: to enrich the life of our community through environmentally sustainable gardening programs that empower people to experience a direct and deep connection with plants, the land, and each other. We envision inspired people joining together to actively nurture and enhance our environment, our community, and ourselves. We believe in the power of people to co-create and steward harmony between land, water, and all living things for generations to come.

[ Organization Information ]
Gardening has the potential for far-reaching benefits, and were proud to use the power of gardening to benefit and support Boulder County life in many ways: Through its programs. Growing Gardens empowers, enriches and creates positive change for thousands of Boulder County residents, especially youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and lowincome families and individuals. Growing Gardens preserves and protects agricultural land for everyone. Our main garden site, located in North Boulder, has been in agricultural use for the past 100 years. Through education. Growing Gardens educates people of all ages about gardening and sustainable agriculture. By serving our community. In 2008, we directly served 4,241 people, 197 teens, 1690 children, 31 seniors, 147 people with disabilities, 987 low income and 1,686 members of the general public.

www.growinggardens.org
Photo: Vanessa Keeley

From the President

Dear Friends,
The mild winter has many of us community gardeners eagerly checking on overwintering lettuce and preparing for an early spring planting of peas, broccoli, and cabbage. Opening day at the farmers market is just around the corner and we look forward to seeing old friends and meeting this years crop of Cutliva! youth at their booth. As Ramona likes to say, were growing gardeners and so much more! Participation in our programs grew by 8 percent in 2008, serving 4,241 people, including 454 volunteers who contributed an amazing 4,500 hours of service to help make Growing Gardens a vital part of the Boulder County community. Our community is healthier thanks to your efforts. Cultiva! youth and community gardeners donated over two tons of fresh produce to Community Food Share, Boulder Shelter for the Homeless, and our community neighbors. 1,400 lucky vegetable plant starts found new homes with families served by Community Food Share and in the Wonderlands Garden, which donates all of its production to Sister Carmens and Community Food Share. Most of us, gardeners and Cultiva! participants alike, report getting more exercise and eating more healthily thanks to our participation in Growing Gardens. The Childrens Peace Garden, Horticultural Therapy, and Neighborhood Compost programs all increased their impact this year. Increasing demand for Growing Gardens Beekeeping program pollinated budding apiarists all around the county. Look for their bees on a flower near you! The Cultiva! youth tell us that their experience with us is lifechanging. Please stop by at the Farmers Market and introduce yourself as a fellow gardener and learn more about their work. They are a wonderful group of young people who Im sure will cultivate deep roots in their communities throughout their lives. Growing Gardens programs are more important than ever to our community in this time of economic downturn. Despite reduced revenues in the last quarter of 2008 and offsetting budget adjustments in 2009, we will continue to offer all of our programs and are prepared to meet the anticipated increase in demand for local gardening, educational, and volunteer experiences. Spread the word about all that we do! Invite others to enjoy the excitement of the spring plant sale, share breakfast in the garden this summer, introduce a child to gardening through the Peace Garden, celebrate Cultiva! at the annual Harvest Dinner, or offer a friend a personal growing experience in your garden plot. Thank you for your participation and continued support of Growing Gardens, which deepens our sense of community and enriches us all.
Phone: (303) 413-7248 Fax: (303) 413-7201 info@growinggardens.org www.growinggardens.org Newsletter Design: theparksgroup-boulder.com
Printed on Recycled Paper
Photo: Annie Sweeney

2008 Financial Statements*

Balance Sheet - December 31, 2008 Assets Cash Accounts Other Current Assets Property & Equipment Total Assets

$ 90,478 $ 35,561 $ 328,996 $ 455,035

Liabilities Accounts Payable & Accruals $ Total Liabilities Net Assets Restricted and Unrestricted Total Liabilities and Net Assets Statement of Activities
(Year ended December 31, 2008)

7,005 7,005

$ 448,030 $ 448,030

Operating Funds Revenue Contributions Earned Income Special Events Grants Contracts In-Kind Contributions Interest Income Total Revenue Expenses Program Services Cultiva Youth Project Childrens Peace Garden Neighborhood Compost Project Community Gardens Horticultural Therapy Education and Outreach Capital Project Administrative Expenses General Fundraising Total Expenses Net Operating Loss Depreciation Net Loss
* unaudited

$ 88,854 $ 128,553 $ 55,401 $ 93,999 $ 19,273 $ 12,191 $ 662 $ 398,913

$ 146,213 $ 35,650 $ $ $ $ $ 9,929 62,710 23,857 91,475 760

$ $

53,916 19,011

$ 442,521 ( $ 15,124) ( $ 29,484) ( $ 44,608)

Regards, Leni Wilsmann

Our Programs
[ Cultiva! Youth Project ]
A diverse mix of at-risk teenagers work daily cultivating a two-acre organic garden and participate in the Farmers market. This program builds leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurial skills. The Cultiva! Youth also teach and guide younger children, learn cooking, nutrition, and
Photo: Vanessa Keeley

beekeeping.

2008 Achievements
Doubled our beekeeping program- from seven hives in 2007 to 15 hives in 2008 Increased Farmers Market revenue by 50% Started gleaning program at Farmers Market to collect leftover produce and deliver to the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless

Goals for 2009

80% of Cultiva! teens teach an activity in the Childrens Peace Garden program Teach five sustainable gardening seminars for the teens Increase our beehives to 18

[ Childrens Peace Garden ]

The Childrens Peace Garden is a place for fun and learning. Classes are available to children aged 5 10 with age-appropriate lessons about the life processes of plants, the interdependency of species, where food comes from, how to grow food, and respect for self, others and the environment.

2008 Accomplishments
1,413 children participated in the Childrens Peace Garden Program double the number from 2007! 90% of children said they learned about where their food comes from 90% of the children said they tasted a new vegetable during the Peace Garden

Goals 2009
Increase summer program to six weeks Create and implement garden curriculum specific to each grade level in classrooms for K-5 25 Field Trip visits from local schools in the spring and fall

[ Community Gardens ]
Growing Gardens manages more than 450 garden plots in eight different Boulder County neighborhoods where families at every level of gardening skill grow food and have a positive community experience. Each year, space opens for new participants; contact us soon if youd like to start digging!

2008 Accomplishments
1,317 community gardeners participated in 2008, a 15% increase from 2007 The Kerr garden located at the Harney Lastoka Open Space in Louisville was opened in May 2008 Water conservation education at all gardens

Goals 2009
Add a spring and fall social event at the gardens Increase food donations to community groups in need Increase cover crop education for winter soil conservation and offer fall cover crop sale.

www.growinggardens.org

Photo: Vanessa Keeley

[ The Neighborhood Compost Project ]

Growing Gardens coordinates composting for businesses, families and individuals throughout the county to transform kitchen, lawn and garden waste into an invaluable resource. Our tours and workshops on composting reach more than 1,500 people each year.

2008 Accomplishments
1,771 individuals were educated though tours and workshops a 10% increase from 2007 555 children toured the compost project in partnership with Eco-Cycle 100% could differentiate between items defined as trash for landfills and compostable items

Goals 2009
Consolidate compost education by relocating back-yard compost demonstration to the compost windrow location

[ Able Gardening Program ]

In partnership with local agencies that serve seniors and people with disabilities, the Horticultural Therapy Program offers weekly gardening classes and activities as well as classes in cooking and crafts using garden plants.

2008 Accomplishments
74 seniors and people with disabilities participated in weekly gardening classes in 2008 Expanded programming by adding more classes in the spring and fall 83% of participants reported increased physical fitness through gardening

Goals 2009
Increase accessibility at the gardens Increase number of participants enjoying the program
Photo: Kathleen MacDonald

[ Fresh Foods, Families and Fitness ]

Growing Gardens provides seeds, plants, garden plots and classes to help low-income families and individuals in Boulder County meet their food needs with a fresh and healthy harvest.

2008 Accomplishments
Donated 2000 seed packets and 2,449 plants starts to those in need in the community Food Donated by Community Gardeners and Cultiva Youth Project 4,238 lbs

Goals 2009
Maintain high level of seed and plant donations to low-income gardeners To increase program participants by 10%

[ Education and Outreach Programs ]

This program offers volunteer service and educational workshops in gardening to individuals and organizations. These activities bring diverse groups together, educate, and serve the community.

2008 Accomplishments
A total of 4,570 volunteer hours were recorded with 454 people participating. Intro to Gardening class was developed and taught Beekeeping series, with eight classes, was developed and taught in 2008

Goals 2009
Develop four new classes to offer on gardening topics Develop two advanced Beekeeping classes

2008 Growing Gardens Supporters

[ We strive to recognize all of our donors and apologize if any name was inadvertently omitted. ]

$10,000 $24,999
Horizon Organic Dairy The Denver Foundation Sheila Fortune Social Venture Partners Retzloff Family Fund of RSF Social Finance Mark and Terry Retzloff Family Whitewave Foods

$5,000 $9,999
Anchutz Family Foundation Adolph Coors Foundation Fosters Group David James Guggenhime John S. Scurci Foundation The Thomas P Waters Foundation Dr. Scholl Foundation Chris Webster

One Earth Landscaping Virginia Perry Pixie Mate Heather Riffel Susan Ross Sensorielle LLC Nancy Maron and Larry Soll Spencer and Crowley, Inc Jane and John Spencer Jerry Bennington and Barbara Vucich Sherri and Frank Weil Virginia Pool and Richard Wilshusen Nancy and Charlie Winn Pat Wright Harlequins Gardens Rio Grande Restaurant Coviden

George and Kristen Watt Kathryn and Michael White Mark Willard Linda and John Woods

In-Kind Donors
A Spice of Life Alberts Organics Annie Brier b. side lounge Barney and Julie Feinblum Bead for Life Betsy Gill Bolderwomen.com Boulder Cycle Sport Boulder Dental Group: Mark Alber Boulder Wine Merchant Breadworks Carol OMeara Catherine and Dennis Gates Cathy Sweeney Clif Bar CO Music Festival Colorado Gardener Core Power Yoga Daily Camera Eldora Eldorado Artesian Spring Water Espress-Oh Frequent Flyers Fresh Herb Company George Watt Guided Heights Howard Treppeda Hurdles Jewelry Jack and Marsha Walker Janet Streater Jessica Arbogast John Platt Julia Breedlove Kerry White Kristin Fleweling Lee Hill Peat Lefthand Valley Nursery Liquor Mart Lisa Bell Longs Family Farm Marcelee Gralapp Mardie Daltzell Driftmier Mark Retzloff Mathew Janesn McGuckin Hardware Mountain Sun Mt. Ocean Natural Merchants Selections On Broadway Organic Vintners Pachamama Organic Farm Patricia Chapman Paul Heffron Peak to Peak Grooming Pedestrian Shops Penny Schwind Pixie Mat Pottery Caffe Puddle Car Wash Rebeccas Herbal Apothecary Rick Yale and Pieter Dijkstra Robert Kopack Robert Spellman Rocky Mountain Natural Meats Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch Rudis Organic Bakery Sensorielle Spa Shamane Simons Sophie and Jack Walker Sturtz and Copeland Tatjana Krizmanic Tea Spot The Daily Camera The Parks Group The Village Printer Tibet Gallery Udis Granola Vitamin Cottage Windy Lundy Yan Su, Waterdrop Films

$1 $99
Kay Anderson Bradley and Loretta Arbogast Elizabeth Aspinwall Steve Aldridge and Lisa Bell Jeanne Macadra-and Jason Berkowitz Susanna Block Kim Bloomer Mary Jo Bode Patricia Butler Dave Carlson Patrick Clifford Lenora Cooper Christopher Cross Gwenevere and Ethan Davis Patrick Dillard Michael Castle and Emily Ditty eConscious Market Jane Engel Keith Fagen Doug Felkley Ann Fitzsimmons Linda Rose Flinkman Steve Fowler Catherine and Dennis Gates Donna Giardina Janet and Scott Graaf Crystal Gray Patty and Wayne Greenberg Andria Bronsten and Mike Gurrola Ann Hackney Sheeri Handler Elizabeth Harris Taryn Hanson Karl Hanzel Sue and Terry Haron Nancy Hays Jeanette and Dan Helgeson Landon and Susan Hilliard RobertHolmes Susan Connoly-Howes Liati Huff Beverly Johnson Eileen and John Josey Sally Keefe Matthew Kelsch Gary Klein Crystal Knapp Emily Knapp Alan and Connie Kobza Kerrie Kruempelstaedter Sebarian Kuzminsky Marci and Gib Marchand Laura and Brian McCudden Susan and David Miller Dan Moore Lisa and John Morzel Steve Montgomery Linda Parks Illene Pevec Elizabeth Powell Nancy Rao Alice Renton Pamela and Paul Rutigliano Alison Scott Sensorielle, LLC Elizabeth Shaw Scott and Sarah Sibley Cathy Regan and Drew Smith Pam and Bill Stewart Mary Sweeney John Walpole Steve and Cindy Wanner

$1,000 $4,999
Boulder Luncheon Optimist Club Robin and Dan Catlin Elevations Credit Union Faegre and Benson Foundation Jane Emery Foothills United Way Gordon Foundation Jim Hagen Jack Johnson Music John S. and James L.Knight Foundation Michelle and Mark Leifeste Debra Kay Lane Longs Gardens New Belgium NOVA Environmental Fund Odell Brewing Company RBC Wealth Management Red Empress Foundation Sally Stabler St Johns Episcopal Church Derek Guarascio and KC Waters Jon and Jennifer Wittemyer

$500 $999
Blue Wing Consulting Kerrie and Kurt Badertscher Keith Brenner Conservation Impact Design Concepts Bob and Lois Gill J. Paul Heffron Betsy Hitchcock Vanessa and Will Keeley Scott and Janet Lehman Polk Family Charitable Trust Gwen and RobMossman James and Lisa Scatena Andrea Poniers and Leni Wilsmann

$100 $499
Lili Adeli Melissa Artzer Mark and Kelly Beran Dave and Joan Boykin Julianne Breedlove Annie Sweeney and Matt Carlossi Bobbie and Tim Carlin Laura Coblentz Terry Cohen Kimberly and Ethan Decker Stephen and Ardie Dickson Rise Anne Keller and Douglas Dirks Ann Dixon Sue Easterlin Don and Kathy Fregeletti Carol and Robert Gocke Marcelee Gralapp Fred Grauer Christine Quinlan (Birthday gift) Laura and Bill Gunderson Victoria Hamilton Margaret Hansson Caroline Himes Genny and Andy Horning Greg Hottinger John Lainson Sally Lasater Aidan Luff Joshua and Kim Martinsons David B. McKay Steve Montgomery

3198 N. Broadway Boulder, CO 80304 USA

2008 Board of Directors

Clark Driftmier, President SVP, Marketing, Aurora Organic Dairy John Lainson - Vice President Vice President, Financial Consultant, RBC Dain Rauscher, Inc Susan Easterlin -Treasurer CPA, Associate- Hulet, Watson and Associates Michelle Leifeste -Secretary Attorney, Robinson Tweedy, PC Georage Watt George Watt Architecture Mark Retzloff President, Aurora Organic Dairy Lianne Shepard Vice president, Private Banking, 1st CommunityBank Jim Hagen Vice President Fresh Foods, Alberts Organics Laura Coblentz VP Marketing and Innovation Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Julia Wrapp Realtor Paul Heffron President, Real Estate Investment Services Corp Elaine Lipson Writer, Organic Consultant Leni Wilsmann Associate, Conservation Impact

2008 Ex-Oficio Member

Rick Roen President, Lake Valley Seed (retired)