The Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments is laying the groundwork for a successful year of growing fresh, healthy produce in the Community Garden. Although they were unable to host a garden last year they are looking forward to working with volunteers from the community to bring the garden back this season.

“Community Garden really is the Community Garden – everyone is welcomed to come participate, volunteer, pick the produce, take it home with them as well. What is not picked by the community will go to support our food banks. But one thing that we need are volunteers to come help either till the garden, pick produce, help on the days that we are planting or putting the high tunnel together,” said Community Services Program Manager, Julie Rosier. High tunnels are temporary covered structures that extend the growing season and protect crops from the weather. This allows the community garden to enjoy garden produce up through October.

The garden is an incredible opportunity to bring people together while giving back to the community. “On April 13 we will be working in the garden. We’re going to be getting some fertilizer, tilling it in. We started moving the high tunnel last year and we are going to be completing that by putting up the PVC and the plastic and just making sure it’s strengthened and put together.  So, pruning some trees, just kind of getting it ready and dividing it up, getting it ready to plant in the next couple of three weeks after that,” said Rosier. The gathering of volunteers will begin at 10:30 am at the community garden location of 75 East 400 South, which is across the street from the local food bank building.

Assisting with the community garden can be very beneficial by allowing access to fresh foods, increases physical activity through garden maintenance, offers a chance to connect with neighbors while giving back to the community, it can beautify a vacant lot and can be very educational when learning about gardening. Any individuals, families, businesses, sports teams, schools or civic organizations that would like to volunteer may contact 613-0065 to sign up or to obtain further information about the Community Garden.

To learn more about the programs and services offered through Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments visit their website at http://seualg.utah.gov/

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEUALG