Project Grow's Board of Directors
Since its inception, Project Grow's Board of Directors has maintained an active and engaged presence in the organization. Its philosophy is to be a "working board" and that's a role Board members take seriously. From longer-term strategic projects that help better fulfill Project Grow's core mission to weekend work parties at individual garden sites, the Board members are out there getting their hands dirty alongside members (both literally and figuratively!).
The Board of Directors welcomes and encourages member input. Feel free to send thoughts and suggestions for the Board to board@projectgrowgardens.org.
Current Board Members
Marcella Trautmann, President
Marcella has gardened at County Farm for many years. She has functioned as a Site Coordinator for the gardens, coordinates the heirloom seed collection project, maintains several display beds, and enjoys reading French novels and eating bonbons during her retirement.
Lucas DiGia, Vice-President
In addition to being Vice-President of the Project Grow Board, Lucas also acts as the Volunteer Coordinator. He is especially interested in helping Project Grow expand its reach to younger people throughout the community.
Eric Meves, Treasurer
Eric has gardened continuously with Project Grow since it began in 1974. He's had gardens at Peace Neighborhood Center (now gone), then Zion Church (also now gone), and at several locations at County Farm, where he gardens presently. This is his second year on the Board and as Treasurer.
Dave Corsa, Secretary
Dave has been a Project Grow gardener with his wife, Ann, for many years at Zion (now closed) and Lakewood. He is a teacher at John Allen Elementary School, adjacent to the Buhr Park Project Grow site. He has been attempting to grow Japanese vegetables the past few years.
Inge Ferguson
Inge has been gardening all her life, thanks to her mother, who ran the family farm during WWII. She is an Advanced Master Gardener who specializes in urban farming and gardening, heirloom vegetables and herbs. Inge is an advocate for maintaining seed diversity and is a member of Seed Savers Exchange.
Ralph Powell
Ralph has been a Project Grow Gardener since the early 1980s, initially at County Farm Park, when he served several years on the Board. He and his wife, Barbara, are currently gardening at Catholic Social Services, where he was a Site Coordinator for two years.
Nicole Premo
Nicole has been an enthusiastic gardener with Project Grow since 2008. As a Board Member, Nicole hopes to help Project Grow continue to develop its strategic partnerships in and around the Ann Arbor community.
Joet Reoma
Joet directs the Project Grow's Compost Education Center (CEC). He is a Michigan Master Composter and an Organic Gardener. He dabbles in vermiculture, permaculture, aquaponics, rain gardens,and renewable energy. In addition to Project Grow veggies, he grows asian climbing squash, shiitake mushroom, golden grove bamboo, and jasmine flowers.
Kirk Jones, Managing Director & Ex-Officio Board Member
Kirk gardened with Project Grow from 1985 until 2004 and for many years edited Grow's print newsletter. Before working for Project Grow, he owned and ran a cut flower business, Good Scents Gardens.
