Organizers are hoping a new community garden in Fort Dodge will produce not only food, but opportunities for people to gain skills, relax and come together as a community.
"We want Fort Dodge to become more community-based," said Maria Waynar, the Fort Dodge Human Rights Commission AmeriCorps Volunteer in Service to America. "We want to get people together for a common activity."
Waynar said Our Garden, as the project is known, consists of 15 4-foot-by-8-foot garden plots available for adoption by individuals or groups, free of charge. The main requirement is simply that the gardeners, or plot partners, take responsibility for the maintenance of their adopted raised-bed area.
Land for the garden, which is on South Seventh Street, south of the former Fareway store, is being provided by the city of Fort Dodge. Waynar works with the Webster County Cultural Diversity Team, which oversees the project.
Nearly all of the plots have already been spoken for - by individuals, a family, non-profit groups and service organizations. Although they can grow anything they want, local companies have donated seeds.
The Beacon of Hope men's homeless shelter is among the plot partners. Steve Roe, its director, said the shelter's garden plot will provide a perfect opportunity for a work program for some of the Beacon of Hope's residents.
"The guys would have a place where they go to work, where they can take some pride in something," Roe said.
Some of the produce they raise can be used at the shelter, and excess vegetables can be sold at the local farmers markets, giving the shelter's gardeners a chance to give back to the Beacon of Hope.
But, most importantly, Roe said, "You don't have to know how to garden to take on a plot."
Waynar said the Cultural Diversity Team is working to get some local Master Gardeners to help with the project. Other experienced gardeners are welcome to volunteer.
The YWCA has also spoken for one of the community plots.
"Participating in the community garden is a natural fit with our life skills programming," said Ann Davidson, executive director of the YWCA. "It offers the opportunity to cultivate - excuse the pun - an appreciation for nature while growing a crop, and enhances meal planning and preparation skills. The evening meal at the YWCA feeds upwards of 30 people. The garden's bounty will save dollars and brighten meals with fresh flavors all summer long. The lessons learned are portable; they'll graduate with our clients and be part of the new life we're working to initiate."
Charles Clayton, executive director of Athletes for Education and Success, said being a plot partner will allow AFES youths multiple opportunities - including the chance to learn about nutrition and "grow healthy snacks for the after-school and summer programs" that AFES provides. He said he also sees as pluses the chance for them to learn life skills, as well as to be active in the outdoors.
Waynar said she hopes people from all walks of life will take advantage of the area as a communal gathering spot.
"Everyone's welcome. If it's a nice day in the spring, and you have a meeting, meet at the garden," she said. "We want everyone to go and appreciate it."
While former AmeriCorps volunteer Jerrod Feld secured grants to construct the beds, and secure soil and mulch, Our Garden is still in need of donations, monetary and otherwise.
"We have zero gardening tools," Waynar said. However, there is a shed on the property that could be used to store tools. Water, collected in rain barrels, will also be available on site.
The Young Professionals, who are a plot partner, have donated a picnic table. But organizers are still hoping for donations of benches where people can relax after working the soil, and fencing that will keep out some of Mother Nature's unwanted guests.
Anyone wanting to donate money or supplies can contact Waynar at 576-2201. The Webster County Cultural Diversity Team achieved 501(c)3 status last year, so donations are tax-deductible.
Garden sponsors are also being sought who, in exchange for their support, will be promoted on T-shirts and signs for Our Garden.
On May 7, organizers are planning a garden party to introduce the site to the public. Planned are activities for children and adults, live entertainment and refreshments.
On March 23, a plot partners meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the City Council chambers.
Contact Barbara Wallace Hughes at (515) 573-2141 or bwh@messengernews.net
