Meet our Board Part 1: Lee

Over the next several weeks, we will be introducing the new Maine Foodscapes Board of Directors. Our Board is highly involved in every aspect of Maine Foodscapes. Board members are critical for executing the various aspects of our organization. Our Board consists of enthusiastic gardeners dedicated to building community around growing food, and we'd love for you to get to know them. If you attend an event, participate in a Garden Project build, or volunteer, you're likely to meet one or many members of our Board, but we're going to dedicate some space to digging deeper with each of them here on our new blog! 

For Part 1 of this series, you'll be hearing from Vice President Lee Klarman! 

Lee! Tell everyone a little about yourself. 
Hello, my name is Lee and I have been involved with Maine Foodscapes for about 3 years.  My current role is vice-president on the board of directors.  I have 2 young daughters, 2 older step children, a loving wife, a dog, a flock of chickens, a couple thousand bees and we all reside along the Saco River.  

What are your hobbies and interests?
I love to grow garlic and play in the woods.  

Why did you want to join the Foodscapes Board of Directors?
Foodscapes plays a unique role in connecting people to their own sustainable food source.  I wanted to help expand on that model to support my neighbors and community.   

What makes you most excited for the upcoming grow season?
Witnessing the joy that is created when the first sprouts of a new garden bed begin to emerge.   

How did you get first introduced to Maine Foodscapes?
I helped coordinate the build of 3 new garden beds for a youth after school program.  
 
What do you enjoy most about gardening?
Walking out to the garden for ingredients rather than driving to the grocery store.

What kind of impact are you hoping to make on the organization and/or your community this year?
I hope more kids in the community are able to get their hands dirty and enjoy fresh food.  

If you're inspired by Lee and looking to get more involved because you also have a passion for growing garlic, abstaining from the grocery store when possible, and supporting youth gardening in your community, you've come to the right place! We have so many opportunities for volunteering, engagement and partnership. Even a simple donation goes a long way to supporting our mission.