Nancy’s Community Garden
In 2010, three 60’ by 14’ greenhouses (hoop houses with raised beds) were built next to the Community & Senior Center in Frisco to provide local, organic vegetables and herbs for our community. The greenhouses are in operation between May and October. One greenhouse has 19 community garden plots used by seniors, low-income families and sponsored organizations. In the other two greenhouses, Summit Prevention Alliance grows produce both for the local food banks and to sell. Last season, 658lbs of produce such as mixed lettuce, broccoli, swiss chard, spinach, potatoes and culinary herbs was donated. This season will be the kick-off for selling “Summit Greens”; mixed lettuce and culinary herbs at various locations in Summit County. Volunteers are needed at the greenhouses and to help sell the food. This project is funded by LiveWell Colorado, The Colorado Health Foundation and managed by the Summit Prevention Alliance. To get involved, please contact the Summit Prevention Alliance at 970-668-2077.
2011 Survey on Nancy’s Garden, please click here to take the survey.
Silvana’s Community Garden
http://silvanascommunitygardens.org
2011 is the third growing season for Silvana’s Community Garden in Silverthorne. After very successful first two seasons, this garden has truly shown our mountain community that growing vegetables and herbs is possible in Summit County without greenhouses. Besides growing food, this garden is used for children’s gardening classes, educational talks and as a social gathering place. There are a total of 38 plots used by community members and sponsored organizations. Last year, three small raised beds were built for “Silvana’s Children’s Garden” used by the Summit County’s 4-H program and five beds were built for a scientific five-year “Experimental Bed” project to test what seeds, starts and mediums grow the best in our environment. Silvana’s gardeners start off their season with a Seed Exchange Party and end it with a pot luck Harvest Party, where Silvana’s gardeners prepare delicious meals using their garden produce such as arugula, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, spinach, swish chard, kale and a variety of lettuce and herbs. This garden is now self-sustaining with an active steering committee made up of community members. To get involved, please e-mail info@silvanascommunitygardens.org. For additional information, please go to http://silvanascommunitygardens.org.
High Country Conservation Center’s The Living Classroom
http://www.highcountryconservation.org/sustainable_foods.htm#TLC
The Living Classroom (TLC) is an essential piece of the High Country Conservation Center’s (HC3) overall vision for food education. Beyond food, TLC has potential to enlighten the community in the areas of composting, self-sufficiency, and renewable energy. Future plans for TLC include additional outdoor beds to increase food yield. And in support of Town of Frisco’s zero waste initiatives, food produced in abundance will be given to local food banks to feed low income families in the community. TLC will also be a beneficial place for schools to visit so our children can get their hands dirty, learn about healthy eating, and discover where food comes from. For additional information, please go to: http://www.highcountryconservation.org/sustainable_foods.htm#TLC.