Passion for Gardening, Equity, and Community Service

“My name is Patrick McGarry, and I have been on UCAN (Urban Community AgriNomics at the Catawba Trail Farm) board, since April of 2024.  I have been a mail clerk in health insurance for over 20 years. I enjoy  health, fitness, hiking, nutrition, farming/gardening (UNC Farm at Penny Lane, SEEDS, etc.) research (genealogy, nutrition, and other), and volunteering.  I previously have served before on two related boards.

I am on the autism spectrum, and other disabilities (anxiety/depression).  I have taken Racial Equity Institute (REI) training, both phases via my work.  Of many things, studied 'indigenous wisdom'.

I was interested in being on the board for UCAN, because of my passion to gardening, REI (Racial Equity), research (looking up grants, genealogy, farmland preservation).  I have had a thing for racial equity a lot of my life.  On other notes, been a 'health nut' for many years (nutrition, working out, hiking). “

At UCAN, it’s beautiful to see individuals from different walks of life come together—whether through our staff, board members, volunteers, or community garden plot owners.

We are truly ‘growing communities one seed at a time.’