Sustainable Communities

Building the capacity of Marin's communities is the primary focus of our team and specific programs including Youth Development, the Marin Food Policy Council, and others. Here are some highlights from the 2016 program year.


Making a commotion over National Youth Science Day
Our 4-H Youth Development team, through its S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program, served 600 youth on National Youth Science Day. Students in Marin Schools joined in the Motion Commotion Experiment, a problem solving activity that asked youth to investigate the impacts and offer solutions for distracted driving. More about out S.T.E.M. programs including curriculum activities are available online.


Building a strong community gardens network
In 2009 there were an estimated 85 community gardens in Marin County. In 2016, there were more than 125. This increase is making a real difference for Marin residents by offering access to the personal health and local environmental benefits these gardens offer. Our Community Garden Program Coordinator works closely with community garden leaders to forge a strong network that shares resources, provides management solutions, and generally supports the continued expansion of community gardens countywide. A map of the current garden in Marin is available online.

UC Marin Master Gardeners mark their 30th year in Marin
In 1986, the Marin Master Gardeners trained their first group of volunteers. That original class was led by President Claire Russel and County Director Ellie Rilla. Thirty years later the program has grown to a group with more than 320 volunteers creatively serving Marin through gardening education all across the County. To recognize three decades of success, the Marin Master Gardeners hosted regional meetings throughout 2016 to honor longstanding members from early classes and held a large celebration at the Marin Art and Garden Center for the entire program. Speakers at the MAGC event included UC Master Gardener Statewide Program Coordinator Missy Gable and then Marin County Board of Supervisor President Steve Kinsey. You can learn more about the Marin Master Gardeners online, including how to join.

Making equitable access the norm for Marin
The Marin Food Policy Council is dedicated to improving the local food system for all of Marin. In 2016, this broad, inclusive body of community-minded organizations and agencies completed a report entitled Equitable Access to Healthy & Local Food in Marin County. This report is the culmination of more than a year and half of community tours and listening to identify obstacles and opportunities to equitable access countywide. The report was presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors in partnership on the advancement of programs and support to achieve this goal. Already, recommendations from this report are being implemented by Marin Food Policy Council member organizations, including Marin County government departments such as Health and Human Services. You can learn more about the Council online.

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