When you live somewhere like Central Oregon, it's easy to appreciate the earth - we are surrounded by its beauty each and every day. For all of us in Madras, Oregon, there's a special way to celebrate this year - a new community garden!
Earth Day is this Friday and you are invited to help plant the new Madras Community Garden, which is located at 11th and B streets. The planting event will be held from 3-5 pm, and there will be some donated plants from Madras Garden Depot. Great Earth is providing snacks for the volunteers...so come by and get a little dirt under your fingernails!
Do you know why a community garden is so good for the community? There's a reason why they are sprouting up all around the country. Here's just a few statistics:
- Community gardens have been shown to actually increase property values in the immediate vicinity where they are located.
- Studies have shown that community gardeners and their children eat healthier, more nutrient rich diets than do non-gardening families
- Community gardens allow families and individuals without land of their own the opportunity to produce food. Oftentimes gardeners take advantage of the experiential knowledge of elders to produce a significant amount of food for the household.
- Urban agriculture is 3-5 times more productive per acre than traditional large-scale farming.
- Community gardens can serve as an outdoor classroom where youth can learn valuable skills, like those involving practical math, communication, responsibility and cooperation. They also provide the opportunity to learn about the importance of community, stewardship and environmental responsibility.
There are so many more reasons to support Madras, Oregon by helping out with this new project! At Yarrow in Madras, we are proud to be part of this wonderful community!
Posts
