Meet Lisa Forsyth. As a tenant of 25 San Romanoway, Lisa had the opportunity to participate in the allotment garden and sign up for on-site skills training in urban agriculture and fruit tree care.
Lisa, who worked in an office as a bookkeeper, was drawn to the training as a way to spend more time outdoors and meet new people.
“I found I really enjoyed gardening, and was surprised by how many other people really enjoyed volunteering too!” – Lisa Forsyth
The tree care training was delivered in local backyards and at the Downsview Park Orchard by Susan Poizner of Orchard People. In this way students, were able to practice their skills on mature trees while their young orchard trees grew on-site at San Romanoway.
Through the SNAP training, Lisa’s passion for trees and agriculture grew. Equipped with new skills and new connections, she branched out to pursue a career in horticulture, and in 2017 was hired as orchard manager at Downsview Park.
“I enjoyed the landscaping and tree courses [offered by Black Creek SNAP]. It gave me the opportunity to work in the agri/landscaping industry. My employer has sponsored me as a horticulture apprentice through the Horticulture Program at Humber College. I graduated in March 2019!” – Lisa Forsyth
Lisa has expressed her deep gratitude for the skills training and introduction to green jobs that she received as a participant in the San Romanoway Revival project. She was able to find a career she is passionate about, and continues to give back to the community through her dedicated volunteer position as the San Romanoway Community Orchard Leader.