By CHAD COOPER
Just weeks after breaking ground on a new community garden on Poplar Gap, the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District is inviting Buchanan County residents to start planting.
District officials announced that the raised garden beds are nearly ready for use and say now is the perfect time for residents to plant vegetables and other crops for a fall harvest.
“We have 11 boxes,” said Jeanne Presley, manager and educational specialist for the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District. “We would like to invite Buchanan County residents to use the boxes. We are getting the boxes filled as soon as the weather breaks. Perfect time to plant some crops for fall harvest.”
The community garden was made possible through a $1,000 Keep America Beautiful Green Grant awarded to the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District earlier this year. The grant funded construction of the raised garden beds, which were created to provide residents with a place to grow fresh produce while encouraging healthy living, outdoor activity and community involvement.
When the grant was announced, district officials envisioned the garden as more than just a place to grow vegetables. Long-term plans include expanding the number of raised beds, allowing families to reserve their own plots and eventually creating a pumpkin patch where local children can pick pumpkins without leaving Buchanan County.
Prater District Supervisor David Rose, who helped spearhead the Poplar Gap Community Garden project, said he is pleased to see the idea become a reality.
“It’s exciting to see the garden ready for the community,” Rose said. “I hope residents from all across Buchanan County will take advantage of it and enjoy growing their own fresh produce.”
Interest in the project has continued to grow since it was first announced. The district originally planned to build nine raised beds, but the project has expanded to 11 boxes as organizers continue working toward their long-term vision for the site.
Presley said the district hopes the garden becomes a gathering place where families, experienced gardeners and first-time growers alike can enjoy the rewards of planting and harvesting their own food.
Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District board member Bobby Looney said Big Sandy is on the move, and more are to come. “Another big win for Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District and Buchanan County,” Looney said. “Thanks for your help, David Rose, Prater supervisor, on the community garden grant coming soon to Popular Gap Park.”
Residents interested in using one of the garden boxes are encouraged to contact the Big Sandy Soil and Water Conservation District office at 276-935-7750 for additional information.
