Groundbreaking is set for the next week or two for Dowagiac’s new community garden, which will be located at the Pathfinders building at the junction of Prairie Ronde and North Paul Street.
Several more sites, some owned by the school, some by the city, will be available in the years to come. This site was the right fit in regards to size, visibility and the time frame that was needed to make it ready.
In collaboration with Dowagiac Union High School teacher Dan VandenHeede and his topics class on sustainability, students are helpingto set seeds in the greenhouse.
“In these economic times, saving money is a necessity. We want this to be affordable
for everyone, so we have a suggested donation of $20,” said Pennie Hammond, director. Of the Dowagiac Community Garden Project. “That is by no means written in stone. If you are unable to afford that amount, donate what you can, or give your time and energy into making this an asset to the community. We will also offer a limited amount of individual plots. A person can rent either a 10-by-10 or 20-by-20 space and plant whatever they want.”
By encouraging community members to participate, not only in growing their own produce, but in preparing and preserving that produce, it will aid in the education of the public on the value of fresh produce and be less of a drain on the resources of people on limited income.
Any excess produce will be donated to ACTION for its food pantry.
The City of Dowagiac and Dowagiac Union Schools have been instrumental in helping to launch the program.
There is curriculum available at every grade level that revolves around gardening, and teachers are encouraged to use the garden as a teaching tool.
Dave and Carol Heflin of Foodies Fresh Cafe and Catering have offered the use of their commercial kitchen to allow workshops on canning and other preservation methods.
Other planned workshops include “The Benefits of Gardening and Organic Gardening Techniques,” dates to be determined.
“While we are applying for several grants, we are also asking community businesses to support our project with either monetary donations or tools and supplies,” Hammond said.
Judd Lumber donated the use of a rototiller. Citizens can also help by donating unused garden implements, such as shovels, rakes and hoses.
“We’ll take it as long as it’s fixable,”  said Hammond, crediting the members of a steering committee for the project, including Carol Heflin, Jody Crandall, Jorge DeVarona, Vicki Gross and Linsey Tankersley.
For more information, call Pennie Hammond at (269) 462-5457or Vicki Gross at (574) 292-1226.