KEA’s Adrienne Cronebaugh and Korrine Kreilkamp report:
The Community Roots and Shared Harvest gals have eagerly been awaiting spring so they could dig in and get their hands dirty. Although it’s still a bit rainy and gray outside, the programs are already flourishing due to the renovation of a new greenhouse at the The Jewitt House. With the wonderful people at the Jewitt House, along with more wonderful people at the City of Coeur d’Alene’s Parks Department, Waste Water Treatment Facility, and Water Department, a dilapidated shed has been renovated into a gorgeous community greenhouse, and we’ve put it to use for Roots charitable food purposes.
This past week, we planted seeds that will serve as starter plants for the Community Roots CSA, Shared Harvest plot owners, and city Xeriscape (water conservation landscaping) efforts.
The Community Roots CSA is a charitable Community Supported Agriculture program that is entering their second season in Dalton Gardens. The CSA allows the community to be involved with the production of locally grown, environmentally friendly food, while promoting sustainable farming methods and the reduction of our carbon footprint in “food miles.”
Shared Harvest is a volunteer run community garden located at 10th and Foster in downtown Coeur d’Alene. A once vacant lot was transformed into garden plots where neighbors sow individual plots while learning environmentally friendly gardening and water conservation techniques. Excess produce is also collected and donated to local food assistance facilities in the area.
Xeriscapes are water efficient landscapes that help protect our scarce water resources. Xeriscape plants use only a fraction of the water needed by thirsty lawns and some require little to no supplemental watering once established. Xeriscape seedlings will be handed out free to the public at the upcoming Wednesday Farmers Market along with additional water-wise information.
Next weekend our gardeners will finish up planting. However, we are still looking for volunteers to help with weekly watering at the greenhouse through May. If you or someone you know may be interested in getting more involved, please contact Kara at kldg@me.com.
hi!
i was wondering if you had to obtain any permits for your community garden?
Heather, I’ll need to check and get back to you on that.
Terry
This project is so exciting and it just keeps growing! The greenhouse sounds fantastic—and how wonderful to see all the city and community support Roots is receiving.