South Bend's Unity Gardens recognizes volunteer Ken Bradford with Green Globe Award

Time to dig in and appreciate the work of Unity Gardens.

Back on Earth Day, there was a lot of celebrating to do. Spring was on the doorstep. Seed packets have returned to the aisles of hardware stores. Many people enjoy pulling weeds. Really, they do. There is the joy of fresh vegetables.

Some people are born farmers.

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In honor of Earth Day, the Green Globe Award was given to Ken Bradford, who is a dedicated volunteer at Unity Gardens. The award is given to an individual who supports the gardens and believes in the mission. The winner goes above and beyond for Unity. The winner digs the place.

Sarah Stewart, founder and executive director of Unity Gardens, sang the praises of Ken and his work. “It took him 10 or 12 years of getting dirty to receive this award. He is here every Tuesday, and he is on call to help with everything. He told me to give him the hardest, dirtiest and smelliest job.”

Sarah added not everyone who volunteers will get those assignments.

Ken grew up on a farm on the western end of the county and understands what it takes to plant and raise a garden.

He knows his way around a computer keyboard and reporter's notebook, too. He is a retired editor and writer with The Tribune.

“Ken is dedicated to Unity Garden. He is involved with visitors, volunteers. He enjoys moving from one project to another. Nothing stops him,” Sarah said. “He will do the worst job (available). He won’t put it off and he won’t tell others to do it. There is no stopping him. He has found joy in the work.”

“A lot of us volunteer at various places and hope we are making a difference. At Unity Gardens, we actually see the difference. In a day's time, a bare patch of ground becomes a raised bed filled with mustard seeds. A month or so later, we'll watch a grandmother show a toddler which greens to harvest, and we'll hear them talking about how they'll prepare them at dinnertime,” Ken said.

For those who don’t know about Unity Gardens, Sarah started the first garden in 2008. As a public health nurse, she saw the connection between good food and good health.

The Prast Avenue garden was planted in 2009. She and her partner, Mitch Yaciw, took over the seven acres wedge on the west side. The gardens received a 501c3 designation and the city sold the plot to the UG for $1.

The gardens and Sarah were recognized by USA Today in 2021 for their innovative approach to feeding people. The Best of Humankind awards, recognizing “everyday people who have showcased the highest level of kindness, compassion and perseverance.”

Between 8,000 and 10,000 people visit every year and many walk away with free food. The garden sponsors activities and a number of smaller neighborhood gardens. More than 40 small gardens are planned for this year.

The food part is essential. But Ken added he is a great fan of getting to know different people.

“The primary purpose of Unity Gardens is to grow food for people who need it, but the real magic is that we grow a community as well. People of all ages and backgrounds find themselves working side by side, filling wheelbarrows or pulling weeds. While we work, we share stories and ideas, and we start to understand each other better,” Ken said. “Everything out here is fun to do.”

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Staying on a green note. A short salute to last year’s Green Globe winner. The first winner of the award in 2023 was Mike Keen. Mike is a longtime supporter of sustainability. He was on the first board of Unity Gardens and a supporter of the welcoming/education center.

Mike is a retired sociology professor at Indiana University South Bend. He also created IUSB’s Center for a Sustainable Future. Since retirement, he has been involved in sustainable neighborhoods and redevelopment that serves all the neighbors.

Mike’s development group is working on the renovations of the Ward Baking Co. building on Portage Avenue. A bakery built in 1919 is a tough old bird that deserved a second chance. The building will be used for small businesses.

Two good people who appreciate going green.

Kathy's email is kfborlik@yahoo.com

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Volunteer at South Bend's Unity Gardens wins Green Globe Award