Grow with Us - Gardening at the Urban Inter-Tribal Community Garden

This program is available online only.

The Urban Inter-Tribal Community Garden was designed by former CEO, Dr. Rodney Stapp, to provide a space where the American Indian/Alaskan Native community could improve their health and well-being. The garden was intended to serve our diabetic population to empower their health and diet. As the garden blossomed, so did the idea of educating community members and volunteers toward healthier eating habits. Upon entering the garden you will encounter raised cedar garden beds, garden shed with a 600-gallon cistern, herb garden, butterfly garden, three fruit trees, a green ash tree, a bur oak tree, the three sisters garden, a Healing Circle and a greenhouse. It has been a labor of love for all who have experienced the UITC garden.

Sylvia Rodriguez, a Muscogee Creek and Oglala Sioux tribal citizen, is the Health Promotion/Disease Prevention Coordinator at the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas in Dallas, Texas. She is a certified Texas Master Gardener for Dallas County and a Certified Personal Trainer through the Native American Fitness Council. Sylvia started with UITCT (Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas) as front desk clerk and began volunteering in the garden after hearing Dr. Stapp’s garden vision ( former CEO) and continues to help keep his garden vision blooming.

Rose Soto is a Registered Nurse and graduate of Texas Tech University. She has been working at UITCT for 6 years and her main area of expertise is in diabetes education. Rose has recently received her certification as Certified Diabetes Care and Educator Specialist (formerly known as a CDE). Along with providing education, she also perform foot and eye exams for prevention of complications from diabetes. As a part of her administrative duties, she manages the diabetes grant which includes managing projects, reports, audits, and following the budget. Recently, she has also taken over the role of Vaccine Coordinator. This includes overseeing inventory, monthly audits, ordering, and distributing vaccines for children and adults.

Daniel Martinez serves as the supervisor for the maintenance and custodial department at the Urban Inter-Tribal Center of Texas. He has been an employee for the center for 4 ½ years. Daniel is a proud member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corp. Daniel attained the rank of Corporal while in the service. Aside from his daily duties, he takes joy in working in the garden. He has volunteered many labor hours in helping with maintenance and helping his peers. Daniel takes pride in his leadership abilities and being proactive in all aspects of his job. He enjoys working with community members as well.

Grow with Us is a series of online sessions from the Dallas Public Library - Seed Library and Dallas Environmental Quality and Sustainability hosting expert speakers to share practical, informative, and inspirational information about growing and urban agriculture in Dallas.