Kirsten Saylor is Program Manager of GardenWorks

In 2004-2005, Kirsten worked with community gardeners to develop the Twin Cities Community Garden Sustainability Plan.  In the summer of 2005, McKnight funded the implementation of the plan’s core recommendation, establishing an association of community gardens.  This is GardenWorks.  Kirsten has a background in community food security, farming and food systems, sustainable agriculture and received her masters in Applied Anthropology from Oregon State University in 2003. 

Ila Duntemann is the GardenWorks Coordinator

Ila is one of the founders of the Soo Line Community Garden (established 1991 in Minneapolis) and has volunteered to help several community gardens become established.  Ila is a keen proponent of local food production.  An avid canner, Ila is contemplating the feasibility of creating a root cellar in her basement.   Most recently, Ila worked for Youth Farm and Market Project and had been active in the Twin Cities Greening Coalition prior to joining GardenWorks.  Ila is a 2007 "Garden Crusader" winner, a national award sponsored by Gardener's Supply Company.

Steph Hankerson, assisting with East Metro

Steph was involved in the development of the Twin Cities Sustainability Plan and is on GardenWorks' Steering Committee. Steph is lending her extensive experience to GardenWorks during the summer to help with preparations for the Parade of Community Gardens. Steph supports community gardeners for SE Como Improvement Association for 6 years and was an active member of the Twin Cities Greening Coalition. Steph is raising two kids and five chickens in her St. Paul home in the Midway neighborhood.