Urban Roots grew out of a grassroots effort by West Side Buffalo residents who wanted a neighborhood alternative to big box garden centers. What started in 2004 as brainstorming sessions and plant swaps became a cooperative garden center that opened its doors at 428 Rhode Island Street in 2007.

I joined the board as Secretary and chaired the Building Committee during the organization's facility planning and development phase — the transition from community project to brick-and-mortar business. I also served on the Marketing Committee.