By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

DAYTON, Ohio — Pilot projects seldom have stellar results. But you’ll never be able to convince Dayton officials of this, nor The Ohio State University extension service of Montgomery County.

Last fall it was the goal of these officials to see if a quarter-acre inner-city farm plot was feasible. So successful was the venture that the city now has 50 community gardens throughout Dayton.

“The city currently mows 6,000 lots; some of those are a simple lot between two houses and others are up to 40 acres,” said Aaron Sorrell, Dayton Housing and Neighborhood Development manager. “Of the 6,500 lots that the city owns, we spend about $2.5 million annually. City leaders decided to experiment with urban agriculture and turn the vacant land into something viable.”

Dayton was once one of the larger manufacturing cities in the Midwest. Right after World War II this city reached its peak population of more than  260,000. But since, Dayton has declined in population because of the loss of manufacturing jobs and urban sprawl.

“Some cities would kill for the amount of land that the city of Dayton has. We just had to figure out how to use it,” added Nan Whaley, Dayton city commissioner. “The city of Dayton had to learn a couple of things. First, was this economically viable? Second, this is a great opportunity for some of our immigrants to get food that they couldn’t normally get. And third, how could we set policies in place so we could recreate this across the city?”

Dayton officials worked closely with the OSU extension service in Montgomery County as well as the  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Many immigrants who tend the gardens are graduates of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program in Montgomery County. Fencing and other supplies were donated by Stockslagers Greenhouse and Garden Center in New Lebanon.

“The goals of the project are twofold,” Sorrell said. “First, the city had to work out its internal issues so we can make things better for the end user. Second, the city had 15,000 vacant structures that we have to get rid of.
“So, rather than mowing these lots after the structures are demolished, we were looking for alternative uses that can provide opportunities for communities to come together and doing something together rather than looking at an empty lot.”

Vacant lots are visible in all corners of the inner city of Dayton. Plans are to tend to those lots in the above-mentioned fashion. In addition, many abandoned houses will be demolished and those lots will need attention as well.
“There are a few issues when dealing with these urban farm projects,” Sorrell said. “First, getting water on these lots is one, and zoning and yard standards are issues as well. Most yard issues don’t allow for plants to be taller than six inches. That clearly won’t work for your tomatoes, corn or pole beans.
“It’s just a matter of working with the city and letting us know what they’re doing, letting us know that it’s part of the farm and not just weeds growing out of control. The city will work with those erecting hoop houses or sheds. We’re going to do an audit to see where there are impediments to doing urban agriculture.

“We feel the urban garden project will be a win-win situation for everyone involved. There will be fresh produce to sell or provide for the community, and the city benefits because it won’t have to maintain the land. There’s less paved land and is a good use for storm water runoff and helps the environment. This is good outreach opportunity for the city,” Sorrell added.
City officials say Dayton is filled with many “food deserts.” They’re hoping these gardens will provide healthier food options for the inner-city dwellers and those close to the city limits.

“There are currently 50 community farms throughout the city. As we devote more time and energy into the program and the community sees the benefits, it definitely will flourish.” Sorrell said.

This year-round project is under the watchful eye of many at the local, state and national levels. “Our job is to share what has been done across the state of Ohio, making sure they don’t make the same mistakes,” said Dan Ross, of the NRCS.

And not only do immigrants and inner city residents benefit. “We’re beginning to plan for next year by using our youth employment program to work in gardens across the city,” Whaley said. “This way we can teach your young people where food comes from, how to grow your own food and the importance of healthy eating.

“We have had such a great success with the immigrant population, we think this is a great next step.”

Also instrumental in the success of this effort were Suzanne Mills-Wasniak, extension program assistant in Montgomery County, Ann Clutter, extension educator, Jenan Rabi, extension program assistant, and Ohio extension educators Tony Nye and Brad Bergefurd.