EDUCATING LATINO BACKYARD GARDENERS ON SAFE GARDENING PRACTICES
Extension Education
Michele Bakacs
County Agent II/ Associate Professor
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
North Brunswick
Abstract
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\r\n New Jersey’s industrial legacy has contributed a substantial amount of lead to the environment, subjecting its residents to the dangers of lead poisoning. Testing of urban soil is an important first step when developing a community or backyard garden. In New Brunswick, New Jersey many residents, Latino immigrants in particular, are gardening directly in the soil of their yards and have little knowledge of the health risks of gardening in lead contaminated soil. Soil tests on backyard gardens completed in 2011 and conducted by Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE) of Middlesex County and Lazos America Unida, a New Brunswick organization serving the Latino community, showed approximately 21% of lots tested (n=29) to have significant lead contamination, and 96% of lots to be above background levels. Potentially high lead levels require testing and adoption of risk management strategies to ensure that lead is not transmitted to edible plants and to adults and children in the home. Through a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency, RCE and community partners have been working to educate the Latino community about lead-safe gardening practices. Culturally appropriate educational materials have been developed demonstrating how to take a soil test, interpret results, and important practices to limit lead exposure while gardening. Bilingual workshops conducted with Latino gardeners showed significant change in knowledge in areas concerning soil testing, sources of lead in soil, and safe gardening practices. Program evaluations indicated a strong likelihood that gardeners would adopt practices they learned and share the information with friends and family.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: M. Bakacs, W. T. Hlubik, R. Weidman, T. Vivar, L. Bovitz
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Bakacs, M. Environmental and Resource Management Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension- Middlesex and Union County, New Jersey, 08902
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Hlubik, W. Professor 1, County Agricultural Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 08902
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Weidman, R. Program Associate, Agriculture, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 08902
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Vivar, T. Executive Director, Lazos America Unida, Inc., New Jersey, 08901
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Bovitz, L. 4-H Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County, New Jersey, 08902