The Somerville Community Growing Center is a public, volunteer-run green space dedicated to engaging with nature while strengthening community bonds through environmental education, urban agriculture, cultural performances and events. This quarter-acre sloped green space just outside Union Square is a reclaimed urban lot that is now fully landscaped with seed-grown native plants and herbs. It also features a "demonstration garden" of raised beds for growing vegetables, an amphitheatre and lawn, a stage with pergola and lights, a mulched nature place space for children, and native plant-lined walkways. The Growing Center is powered almost exclusively by volunteers, and we encourage those interested in fresh air and building community to become involved! Volunteer Orientations are held on the second Saturday and fourth Monday of each month.

Volunteer activities have included:

• Gardening/watering/maintaining the site

• Composting Team

• Hosting/greeting at "Open Garden Hours" or events

• Tabling at community events, like farmers' markets, Fluff Festival, Carnaval, SomerStreets, etc.

• Cultivating and curating programming/events

• Assisting with the Children in Nature Initiative

• Fundraising projects (Wreath Sale, Seed Sale, Salvage Sale, Fundraising Committee)

• Communications (flyers/flyering, photography, blog writing)