2017-Evening Harvesting at Observatory Park with Grow Local Colorado

Start Date-End Date: 09/28/2017-09/28/2017 Land Manager Office: Grow Local Colorado Land Manager Contact: Barbara Masoner Funding Partner: Grow Local Colorado Programmatic Partner: Summary: Harvest vegetables planted by VOC volunteers in this family-friendly project. Description: About the Stewardship Site: The beautiful Observatory Park, home to the University of Denver's (DU) historic Chamberlin Observatory, is a small yet spacious park tucked out of sight just east of the DU campus. In addition to the landmark Observatory, the park features century-old trees, an extensive playground area, and vast fields perfect for picnicking or a pickup game of Frisbee. About the Volunteer Experience: VOC is excited to team up with our long-term partner, Grow Local Colorado, to harvest vegetable gardens that demonstrate the beauty of edible gardens, engage community participation, and inspire Denver residents to grow their own vegetable gardens. Volunteer work will be fun, easy, and child-friendly. Tasks will involveharvesting vegetables, weeding, and raking the soil. About the Overall Impact: The produce that VOC volunteers planted in the spring are now mature and ready to be donated to local organizations including food banks, homeless shelters, and families in need. By growing food locally, we reduce our carbon footprint by reducing the distance food has to travel, minimize water use, decrease soil erosion, and help develop a sustainable community. This is a great opportunity for families and kids to earn their #GardenGuru digital badge! Learn more by downloading VOC's mobile app, YourCO, on iPhone or Android. NOTE: MINORS ON VOC PROJECTS Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on single-day projects. Latitude/Longitude: 39.7345542, -104.988121 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 10 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 13 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 13 Total Unique Volunteers: 13 Total Volunteer Hours: 19.5 Staff Hours: 3.5 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On Thursday, September 28th, 13 volunteers came out to Observatory Park with VOC and Grow Local Colorado to help with the final vegetable harvest of the season and to prepare the garden for winter. The volunteers made quick work of the 250 square foot garden, removing all the plants for compost, and harvesting 45 pounds of veggies that went to a food pantry two blocks away from the park. After the work was complete, Chipotle donated delicious burritos for dinner. 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: