Lyndsay Crespo
Tell us a little about yourself!
I grew up on the northwest side of Indianapolis and have always enjoyed reading, spending time outside, and creative pursuits. I left Indy to start college in Boston, took a few gap years in Mexico, and then graduated shortly after returning home. Since then, I’ve been working on community projects ranging from bike trails and affordable housing developments to social service frameworks and arts initiatives. When I’m not working, you can find me at home relaxing, preferably in the sun.
How did you learn about Growing Places Indy?
I had a friend who went through the Summer Apprenticeship program a few years ago who had a great experience and since then, I’ve been following Growing Places Indy.
What made you want to get involved with Growing Places Indy?
It was two things really – first, the mission, and second, the fact that Growing Places Indy has its farm stand on-site at the Boner Fitness & Learning Center. Given that I value Growing Places Indy’s mission and that there are synergies between the organization’s work and the work I do every day, it just seemed like a natural move to get more involved.
Do you have any personal experience with food, gardening, or farming?
Yes! I’ve volunteered on local farms for the past two years and have an edible garden at home as well. I’ve been exploring bio-intensive gardening methods this year and am excited to add some double-dug beds to my raised bed and containers next year.
What upcoming Growing Places initiative are you most excited for?
I’m really excited for Growing Places Indy’s initiative to train local residents for careers in agriculture. This serves an important need, improves equity in the sector, and promotes strong local food systems.
Do you have a favorite fruit, vegetable, or plant to grow? Why is it your favorite?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but lettuce, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes are my go-to’s. I grow lettuce for my guinea pigs. I grow zucchini for the squash and also for the blossoms, which are both delicious and beautiful. I grow peppers because I love spicy food, and there is nothing as wonderful as a fresh, seasoned summer tomato. The tomatoes are always a highlight in the year.
Lauren Day
Tell us a little about yourself!
I am an avid reader who prefers to be barefoot and outside. I live car-free with my partner in Fletcher Place where we have a small raised garden and ample bike storage. After almost five years with IndyGo, I am now a part-owner of two new businesses – CityStrategies to continue working on mobility solutions and strategic projects, and Solid State Midwest to explore my design and large-scale remodel management skills.
How did you learn about Growing Places Indy?
When I moved back to Indy after graduate school, I was looking for a way to get involved in the efforts to provide locally-grown food in a community-focused way. I actually volunteered at the Winter Farmer’s Market for the first time in 2012 after shopping on Saturday there with my family.
What made you want to get involved with Growing Places Indy?
Growing Places Indy continues to do an exceptional job celebrating community and locally grown food while staying focused on how to provide for more through exposure, skill-building, and resource support.
Do you have any personal experience with food, gardening, or farming?
Growing up, my mother and grandmother always had raised beds, and we were encouraged to explore new foods and flavors. As soon as I had space, I started making it a seasonal ritual to have an edible garden. It’s certainly always a work in progress – some years, the tomatoes and cucumbers are happier than others – but the empowering feeling of growing and then eating your own food is something I love to encourage in others.
What upcoming Growing Places initiative are you most excited for?
Growing Places focuses on preparing and eliminating barriers for new and underrepresented farmers is most exciting for me. And of course, the exceptional Winter Farmers Market!
Do you have a favorite fruit, vegetable, or plant to grow? Why is it your favorite?
I love sage – the color, its hardiness, and its use in homemade tea. And, I also love watching peppers and cucumbers grow from small, almost miniature versions, to full-grown. The magic of a garden that happens while we sleep!