Community gardens to launch in C. Islip, Brentwood

Two community gardens will soon be launched in Central Islip and Brentwood, part of a joint initiative by the Town of Islip and Stony Brook University, officials said.

Stony Brook provided a $3,000 grant to start the gardens as part of an effort to promote healthy eating, Town Supervisor Phil Nolan said.

“It’s a real positive project that we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to participate,” he said.
In Central Islip, organizers are seeking gardening participants for a plot of land at the CentralIslip Recreation Center at 555 Clayton St., to grow a variety of produce.

Master gardeners will assist growers, and all materials and seeds will be provided, said Gregg Wills, a coordinator at Youth Enrichment Services, who will help run the garden.

“It is empowering when people can gain knowledge and create ways to feed themselves,” he said.

Any Central Islip resident is eligible to participate. Those interested may call Wills at 631-348-3513.

In Brentwood, residents will farm a plot on McNair Street and MacArthur Avenue. The Brentwood Gardens Neighborhood Watch will help run the garden, a town spokesman said.