Open Gates Weekend Highlights Positive Effects of Community Gardens Throughout Morris County

Published on June 17, 2017

The latest buzz around the hot topics of food and health centers on the growing number of community gardens across the country. Community gardens foster civic engagement, offer support to local food pantries, enhance quality of life for their participants, and greatly reduce their carbon footprint.

On the weekend of July 15 & 16, Community Gardens throughout Morris County will be open to the public for Open Gates Weekend. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday,

discover the joys of growing your own food and eating local. Enjoy scenic garden tours, delicious food tastings, and explore what's growing.

This event showcases the beauty and diversity of Morris County's Community Gardens, and highlights the people, plants, and planting techniques that make these gardens thrive. The connection to local food pantries is another important feature at Morris County Community Gardens.

According to Cynthia Triolo, Morris County Park Commission's Community Garden Manager, Each garden has found a unique way to help address the issues of food security here in Morris County. Triolo continued, Garden tours, food tastings, and garden related demonstrations will all be offered at the various Community Gardens.

Admission is FREE, and no registration is required for this rain-or-shine program. This event is sponsored by The Friends of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum.

For more information about Open Gates Weekend, and a map of Open Gates Community Gardens, visit arboretumfriends.org.