The Eco-Gardening Cohort is a group of growers who strive to embody integral ways of interacting with the world. It provides a springboard for imaginative reflection in a process-relational mode, a resource for engaging in creative localization, and a network for connecting like-minded growers.
Who We Are
We are a group of growers who are interested in gardens, whether in the backyard or the community, as well as urban farms, whether small or big. We are influenced by integral ways of understanding, such as process-relational thought, and strive to interact with the world in ways that faithfully reflect those views. Some of us have many years of experience growing elaborate and flourishing spaces. Others are just starting out, unsure about how to begin, and seeking to the learn the basics. Whether one is a beginner or an expert, everyone is equally valued and welcome to participate. Our only requirement is that each participant be willing to listen to and learn from one another, share their perspective, and help build an ecological civilization in their local setting in whatever ways their circumstance allows.
What does the eco-gardening cohort do, exactly? The group is still quite new and in flux as we explore possibilities, but we meet together online at least once a month, and we share experiences, ideas, and resources on our community platform.
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Our Aims
The aim of the eco-gardening cohort is to provide a springboard for imaginative reflection in a process-relational mode, a resource for engaging in creative localization, and a network for connecting like-minded growers
1. Provide a springboard for imaginative reflection in a process-relational mode.
The focus here primarily involves activities of the mind (e.g., reflecting, imagining, thinking, discussing, etc.). So this might include reading texts, viewing media, giving presentations, and having conversations with one another about topics that help broaden one's vision and deepen one's understanding about the significance that gardens can have in a local community.
2. Provide a resource for engaging in creative localization.
Our ambition here is about gardening in process-relational and ecologically-mindful ways in one's local setting. This aim is mainly concerned with the activity of gardening itself, how to grow in ways that not only yield a healthy crop but also contribute to the health and well-being of one’s self and one’s environment.
3. Provide a network for connecting like-minded growers.
The aim here is to create, develop, and foster some type of sister-garden network, giving gardeners opportunities to talk about unique characteristics of their spaces, and providing a way for participants to easily and regularly interact with one another outside of scheduled gatherings. Our online community platform is the primary means for creating interactions among members and nourishing the eco-gardening network.
Cohort Coordinator
Joe Garcia is a staff member at the University of New Mexico Community Engagement Center, and the former the Director of the Garden Wisdom Community Scholars Program at the La Plazita Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He teaches community-based learning at the University of New Mexico, and has been working in gardens for transformative learning since 1991.
Would you like to grow with us?
How to Join
To join the cohort, you will need to create an account on our dedicated Cobb Institute community website.
Our community site is powered by the Mighty Networks social networking platform. That means you'll be able to add posts, share information and photos, and interact with other cohort members, just as you would with any social network . . . but without any unwanted distractions, advertisements, and private data collection, etc.
When you setup your account be sure to fill out your profile, introduce yourself, and download the mobile app so that you can access the cohort anytime. Click on the button below to create your account now.
If you're already a member of another Cobb Institute cohort and have an account on our community website, just click on the button below and you'll be automatically enrolled.