Groundswell to share success with others

CBT funding helps Community Greenhouse meet demand for expertise

Invermere’s Groundswell Network Society will be sharing its Community Greenhouse success with other communities.

Invermere’s Groundswell Network Society has been a growing success for more than a decade, and soon other communities will be able to learn from that success thanks in part to nearly $25,000 from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT).

The society is widely recognized for its Community Greenhouse, which, since 2009, has enabled hundreds of students and community members to get their hands dirty and learn about growing their own food. The greenhouse also showcases a commitment to sustainability — for example, through using solar energy for both heat and electricity — and was recognized as a finalist in the Real Estate Foundation of BC’s 2012 Land Awards.

Because of this success, other communities have looked to Groundswell for help in creating their own community greenhouse and garden projects. CBT’s funding will help the society deliver workshops, plus look toward creating webinars that can spread its knowledge even further.

“We’ve been facing a growing demand from other communities, organizations and individuals asking for help on developing their own projects,” said Bill Swan, Groundswell project leader. “This funding will help us better share our experience and understanding of what it takes to design and execute these community assets successfully.”

The funding will also be used to create a Groundswell brochure, improve signage, update its website and install screens in teaching locations in the greenhouse.

“Groundswell has been an excellent example of a community collaborating to realize a shared a vision,” said Katherine Hamilton, CBT community liaison. “This next step will help it increase its outreach efforts, extending its benefits beyond the immediate area.”

Visit Groundswell to learn more or like them on Facebook.