Growing Buffalo-Niagara

For as long as humanity has been gardening, we've turned to our gardens for nourishment of both our bodies and spirits. The COVID19 pandemic drove interest in gardening to a peak this past year. Jeanette Koncikowski, BA '00, Executive Director of Grassroots Gardens WNY will share information on how Grassroots Gardens' community gardens are sites for physical health, emotional wellness, and community development. She'll share information on the therapeutic benefits of gardening and how gardening can help people adapt to illness, loss and other difficult life transitions. We'll also consider who has access to gardening and how gardening can become more inclusive and accessible for all.

About Jeanette Koncikowski 
Jeanette Koncikowski joined Grassroots Gardens of Western New York as their Executive Director in May 2018. She is a long-time community educator and activist, bringing almost 20 years of experience with nonprofit organizations in human services. Jeanette is thrilled to be combining her personal passion for gardening with community development. She is focused on building Grassroots Gardens’ organizational capacity and sustainability. 

Jeanette believes it is essential that all neighborhoods and families in Western New York benefit from our region’s revitalization and that everyone has a right to healthy, affordable and accessible food. Community gardens should be the cornerstones of such efforts as they provide nourishment for our bodies and spirits.

Not only is Jeannette a UB alumnae, she also received her Master’s degree in Education from Harvard University. She is currently working on her horticultural therapy certificate with the New York Botanical Gardens.