It all started with a passion for real food, a heart for people and a love of the land.
In 2009, Rick Miller and Carol Gibson-Miller expressed a vision for a Central Minnesota that is more connected to nature and as a result, brings about positive environmental and economic change. Three months later, the Central Minnesota Sustainability Project (CMSP) was born. The couple’s deep roots in the Central Minnesota community combined with Rick’s passion for sustainable agriculture and Carol’s love for people inspired them to create CMSP.
In its first few years, CMSP experimented with a variety of gardening models that provided opportunity to community members in a number of settings. After three years of growing, we’ve found our work greatly fulfills a need within the new American community, particularly among African women and children.
In spring 2011, CMSP received the first annual St. Cloud Sustainability Award from the City of St. Cloud presented by Mayor Dave Kleis and St. Cloud City Council Member George Hontos. In late 2011, CMSP received its 501c3 status from the IRS.
We’re now working to expand opportunity through our Maine Prairie and CentraCare Dr. James Kelley Community Gardens (and other gardens in the future), the development of an international market and community education around sustainability, food growing, preservation and preparation and other areas of interest within the community.
A Glimpse Into Summer 2020
Despite everything 2020 brought to our world, our gardens flourished regardless, enabling our gardeners to grow their own organic food and work together in a unique community of masks, social distancing, and gardening. As you may have experienced yourself, it was an exceptionally satisfying year for gardeners.
As part of our COVID-19 response, Christopher Thoms generously made our hand washing stations.
The photos below are from our Maine Prairie garden.
And these photos are from our Kelly Garden.
