Garden project grows, wins excellence award

Planning, participation and partnering were the keys to success for the Kane County Inmate Garden in 2008. Those efforts paid off for all involved when the project won the 2009 Search for Excellence Award at the International Master Gardener Conference.

The project is a partnership between the University of Illinois Extension and the Kane County Sheriff's Department.

The project primarily serves incarcerated adult females who volunteer to participate. The goal is to mentor them in basic food production skills, build positive workplace habits and good character.

While working in the garden inmates increase their awareness of healthy eating and the benefits of outdoor exercise.

When the inmates were asked to name one thing they learned about themselves while working in the garden, the responses included: "Having a job is fulfilling," "I learned I can work well with others," "That a job is not just for money, it is for building confidence."

During 2008, the garden was located on the former grounds of the Kane County Correctional Facility on Fabyan Road. In 2009, it will be located at the University of Illinois St. Charles Research Center on the corner of Route 38 and Peck Road, near the Judicial Center.

Several local organizations and businesses supported this project including Shady Hill Gardens, We Grow Dreams Inc., City of Geneva Public Works, and Rebecca G. Oregon.

Attending the conference to receive the award were Master Gardeners Sue Gould, Vicki Hagstotz, Catherine Harrington, and Suzanne Thorne. Additional Master Gardeners who participated in the project were Mary Blondin, Kristin Coady, Carolyn Gordon, Kathy Hammer, Mary Ann Krempel and Cathy Vahey.