Encouraging gardening, healthy eating and community improvement was the focus of this year's Third Annual "Raising Richland: A Community Gardening Summit."

 More than 100 people attended the summit Thursday at the Longview Center at 1495 W. Longview Ave. in Mansfield.

The event featured guest speakers Jonathan Hull, an environmental educator, designer and consultant; Jim Chatfield, and associate professor and extension specialist with Ohio State University Extension Office; and Doug Schuster, Green House manager at Kingwood Center.

North End Community Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) community organizer Jean Taddie said the event also featured activities for kids, a showcase of local community gardens,  and door prizes for the gardens.

The summit was sponsored by the NECIC, The Ohio State University Extension Office, Master Gardners, Richland County Creating Health Communities, Meijers and the City of Shelby Community Development.

The Raising Richland Community Garden Network is an informal association of over 300 gardeners and 26 community gardens. The group hosts educational programs and meet regulary to swap resources, share best practices and tour area gardens.

For more information contact NECIC at 419-525-3101.