As an introduction to the map lesson, the teacher will facilitate the discussion in regard to understanding that although guerrilla gardening has its appeal, planned and authorized community gardens tend to have a more permanent effect on the community because they are not as susceptible to being torn down or eliminated. They are supported by Gather New Haven, the organization formed in 2020 by a merger of the New Haven Land Trust and New Haven Farms.
Activity one: Journal write: 1. How many community gardens can you identify on the map? Can you locate the community they belong to? What is the average distance from one community garden to another? Based on the size of the garden, how many people do you think are involved in the garden? What are some communities that you notice do not have a garden? What could be the reason behind this? Does your community have a garden? Are you aware of it and are you an active participant?
Activity two: As students view the map, they will be able to copy and paste the location of the garden closest to where they live and search it on Google Earth. Students will be encouraged to explore the various links provided in order to obtain visuals and views of the garden in real time. Students will jot down details and any new information obtained.
Suggested link for lesson two and further studies:
https://gathernewhaven.org/our-programs/community-gardens (from this link they will be able to expand and complete activity two)
