Fort Myers, Fla., January 8, 2010— FGCU’s first ever semester course in organic gardening had its trial run this past Fall semester 2009. This course was offered on Saturdays over the semester, teaching students not only the theories and benefits of organic gardening, but also giving them opportunity to try it for themselves.
Frank Oakes and Dr. Gerry Segal, pictured left, were the volunteer course instructors. Oakes is a past President of Florida Organic Growers (FOG) and currently operates a farm near Corkscrew Sanctuary and Food & Thought, an organic food store, near Coastland Center in Naples. Segal is an Associate Professor of Management, teaching Ecopreneurship, Business Planning and Green Business. He also teaches Colloquium, a required course for all FGCU undergraduate students. The purpose of Colloquium is to give students a better understanding of sustainability and the local environment in Southwest Florida. Segal is also a certified Permaculture designer, certified Permaculture teacher and long-time organic gardener.
Proceeds were presented to ECHO to help them carry out their mission of helping the poor to feed themselves. Pictured below, Instructors Oakes and Segal present the $6,800 check to ECHO Agricultural Resources Director Dr. Tim Motis.
“More and more individuals in our area are forced to look at finances and try to come up with another way to meet their nutritional needs. Organic gardening is not only for the eco-conscious, but also for those who want to start growing food in their backyards.” comments ECHO President/CEO Stan Doerr. “We are thrilled to be the beneficiaries of this gift and partners in the future of organic gardening projects with FGCU.
ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) provides sustainable options to world hunger through agricultural training, innovative options, and networking with community leaders and missionaries in 180 developing countries. ECHO seeks to find agricultural solutions for families growing food under difficult conditions. ECHO’s international headquarters is located in Fort Myers, FL.
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