Y cultivates community garden

By: Holly Ramsey | McDowell News
Published: February 22, 2012

A community garden is being cultivated for Corpening Memorial YMCA.

The project, seeded by Y staff members Hali Colligan and Will Ross, is being funded through Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Nourishing N.C. grant. The award was given to the nonprofit organization last summer.

The Y stated: “Our goal is to provide McDowell County with a safe area for neighbors to work together, share public green space, be physically active and provide healthy food.”

The garden will consist of 18 (4x8-foot) raised beds. Each bed is available to rent at $25 per year.

“Those who plan to rent space will be responsible for growing and maintaining their area,” said Colligan. “There will be rules to follow, and planters will need to sign a contract as well.”

While all produce grown by renters can be taken home with them, the grant requires 10 percent of the community harvest to be donated to a local food bank or other organization.

“The Y and Master Gardeners Association will rent space to cover this,” Colligan said.

A similar project is run through neighboring YMCA of Asheville but requires a 100 percent donation to the community and no assistance from outsiders.

“We’re excited to try it this way,” she stated. “This is a great opportunity to interact with people and have some fun.”

Colligan also mentioned that the Master Gardeners Association plans to use their space for information sessions and demonstrations.

“This summer we hope to have cooking demonstrations with them and maybe a few healthy eating classes as well,” she said.

A work day for the community garden is scheduled for Friday, March 2, beginning at 9 a.m. During this time, beds, constructed by the McDowell High shop class, will be assembled. Bennick Grading and Excavation will bring in soil and mulch. The public is invited to come out and participate in cultivating this new effort. Shovels and other materials will be provided, but individuals can bring their own tools if they desire.

All money earned through rent space will be put back into the garden to assist in improvements, and if all goes well, expansion.

For more information on the YMCA Community Garden, call Hali Colligan at 659-9622.