Come learn about the new community garden program housed at the Cascade Land Conservancy and seven upcoming community garden opportunities in Tacoma. The Community Garden Kickoff will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Evergreen Tacoma campus, 1210 Sixth Ave., Tacoma. Children are welcome to attend with their families. The Community Garden Kickoff is an opportunity for neighbors and community members to learn more about local community garden efforts, as well as give input on the vision and management for each new garden location. Each group of gardeners will be encouraged to create the type of gathering place they'd like to have in their neighborhoods. Topics to be addressed: * Purpose/vision for each neighborhood's garden * Garden design, including gathering spaces or other communal areas * Organizational structure * Timeline and plan for construction There will be time set aside for individuals interested in specific gardens to network and begin brainstorming design and use of the following seven garden sites: * 1520 N. Junett St. * 1115 E. 51st St. * 4222 N. Pearl St. * 912 S. 25th St. * 2111 S. J St. * East L & East Wright (Rogers Park) * South 85th & Sheridan The City of Tacoma is adding garden spaces throughout Tacoma as part of the countywide Community Garden Project. This project is about creating great communities, connecting people to their food supply, empowering them to grow their own food, promoting healthy activity and better nutrition, and creating a more livable urban environment. To RSVP or for information about the event, contact Community Garden Program Coordinator Kristen McIvor at (253) 363-1846 or kristenm@cascadeland.org<mailto:kristenm@cascadeland.org>. For information about the City of Tacoma's community garden efforts, go to www.cityoftacoma.org/communitygardens<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/communitygardens>. ###