Friends of Burlington Gardens :: Vermont Community Garden Network

Friends of Burlington Gardens & the Vermont Community Garden Network
creating, enhancing, and preserving community gardens for all


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Friends of Burlington Gardens staff, board, volunteers

Friends of Burlington Gardens is a grassroots nonprofit organization in which board members, staff, and community volunteers work in partnership to fulfill our organization's mission. Through the efforts of volunteers and supporters, FBG has experienced dynamic growth in local and statewide outreach since its founding as a 501(c)(3) in 2001.

Full time staff members

Jim Flint

Jim Flint has served as full time executive director for Friends of Burlington Gardens since the organization gained nonprofit status in 2001. Jim is a veteran community and youth garden organizer who has played a supportive role in helping to establish many of Burlington's community, school, and neighborhood gardens.

Prior to his leadership role with FBG, Jim served as Youth Garden Grants director for the National Gardening Association. Jim is well known locally and nationally for his long term advocacy for community and school gardening.

Jenn McGowan joined Friends of Burlington Gardens in November 2009 as full time program director. Jenn previously served as director of the Intervale Center's Healthy City Program from 2002 to 2009. Jenn will direct the Healthy City Youth Initiative, which has transitioned to Friends of Burlington Gardens.

To reach Jim or Jenn, please call the FBG office at 802.861.4769 or email jimf@burlingtongardens.org or jenn@burlingtongardens.org.

Part-time staff, interns, and volunteers

Denise Quick

Denise Quick (photo left) served as a Master Gardener volunteer with the 2009 Community Teaching Garden at Ethan Allen Homestead. Denise will join FBG's staff in 2010 as lead teacher for the 22-week program.

Colleen Hertz (photo right) served as a volunteer assistant with the 2009 Community Teaching Garden program at Ethan Allen Homestead. Colleen is a 2009 UVM graduate with a degree in environmental studies. Colleen will serve as an Assistant Instructor with the 2010 teaching garden.

During 2008-2009, Americorps State member Matt Tucker served as a garden-based education and outreach specialist with Friends of Burlington Gardens as part of Burlington's "We All Belong Here" initiative. After completing his work with FBG, Matt enrolled in a Masters program in Community Development and Applied Economics at the University of Vermont.

Ben Baker, a BHS senior and graduate of the Healthy City Program, worked for Friends of Burlington Gardens during the 2009 growing season as Garden Ambassador at Burlington High School. Ben assisted FBG staff in maintaining the 1,000 square foot organic garden at BHS and mentored students in the Summer Transitions Program.

interns UVM

During the summer of 2008, UVM interns Amy Clay and Kira Castro (photo right) led garden-based nutrition activities at Flynn Elementary, C.P. Smith Elementary and Burlington High School.
Volunteer_Flynn

United Way volunteer Mimi Wong (photo left) served as a program and administrative assistant with FBG during the first half of 2008. Mimi helped with registrations for the Community Gardens for All Conference on March 8, 2008 and for the Vermont School and Youth Garden Conference on April 12, 2008.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with Friends of Burlington Gardens, please contact the FBG office at 802.861.4769 or info@burlingtongardens.org.

Board of Directors

FBG Board

Friends of Burlington Gardens is guided by a dedicated eight-member Board of Directors who provide leadership, governance, and fiscal oversight.

Board members and staff partner in strategic planning, grantwriting, fundraising, and program evaluation.

Board members from left to right: Joseph Fiacco, Jeff Govoni, Bart Westdijk, Henri Sparks, Will Workman, Jessica Hyman, Beth Truzansky (completed term 2009), and Diane Imrie

Bart Westdijk, FBG Board President New England Grassroots Environment Fund	Jessica Hyman, FBG Board Vice President Intervale Center, and UVM Center for Rural Studies
Jeff Govoni, FBG Board Secretary Gardener's Supply and Dutch Gardens	Joseph Fiacco, FBG Board Treasurer Renaissance Building, Inc.
Diane Imrie Fletcher Allen Healthcare Will Workman Gardener's Supply and Dutch Gardens	Henri Sparks Burlington School District

Emeritus Board members (3 to 5 years of service)

Josh Brown
FBG board member 2001-2004; past president, 2001-2004

Jules Fishelman
FBG board member, 2002-2006; past president, 2004-2006

Linda Berlin,
FBG board member, 2003-2008; past president, 2006-2008

Huck Gutman FBG board member, 2002-2006	Nancy Hulett FBG board member, 2003-2006
Maureen Cannon FBG board member, 2003-2006	Gavin Wallace FBG board member, 2004-2006
Jim Feinson FBG board member, 2005-2007	Maggie Leugers FBG board member, 2003-2008
Beth Truzansky, FBG board member, 2006-2009

Friends of Burlington Gardens & the

Vermont Community Garden Network
180 Flynn Avenue Studio 3
PO Box 4504
Burlington, Vermont 05406-4504
802-861-GROW
www.burlingtongardens.org

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