2014-Garden Bed Preparation & Construction

Start Date-End Date: 05/24/2014-05/24/2014 Land Manager Office: Magpie Farms Land Manager Contact: Trish Tilly Funding Partner: Crop Mob Programmatic Partner: Denver Public Library Summary: NOTE: Registration for this opportunity is full. If you register, you will be placed on the wait list. See the Volunteer Calendar for other exciting volunteer opportunities. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE Fresh City Life (FCL) offers adult cultural programming, such as gardening classes, through the Denver Public Library. On this particular project, the demonstration garden being prepared will act as a lab space for future FCL gardening classes. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY In preparation for the garden's new future, the land managers are looking to expand the demonstration garden to utilize the property more fully and make the garden more self-sufficient. Not only will the garden host adult education courses, but it will also support a CSA (community supported agriculture) that will donate harvests to local charities. Volunteers will get their hands dirty as they compost, build garden beds, and remove rocks. As they work, they will receive complimentary gardening education, much like the classes that will eventually be taught there. Don't miss the chance to enjoy the outdoors while learning to garden! PARTNERS & SPONSORS Denver Crop Mob through Slow Food Denver Magpie Farms Xcel Energy The Boeing Company Oracle Clif Bar & Company OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Latitude/Longitude: 39.776907, -105.139291 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy, Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 25 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 18 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 6 Total Volunteer Days: 24 Total Unique Volunteers: 24 Total Volunteer Hours: 102 Staff Hours: 16 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: 18 adults and 6 youth volunteers constructed a "sheet mulch" garden bed at Magpie Farms in Wheat Ridge, CO. Magpie Farm is developing into a location where Denver Public Library will host their adult education courses for their Fresh City Life Program, as well as provide community garden space and a place for education with a neighboring Head Start location. Volunteers helped construct and prepare about 1,100 square feet of garden space using a permaculture method called sheet mulching. Volunteers learned a great deal about this efficient garden strategy which helps cut down on the need for tilling, weeding, and watering. The effort shown this weekend will help sustain Magpie Farm for years to come and provide a place for community to come together and celebrate slow food and urban agriculture.