IVSHA garden project gains area support
From our weekly issue dated March 04, 2009
Cave Junction-based Illinois Valley Safe House Alliance (IVSHA) wants to start a community garden, and Mayor Don Moore wants to help it grow.
Moore met with IVSHA representatives on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 17 at the organization’s Home Valley Bank Cares facility to discuss the logistics of establishing a garden toward the rear of that property. Moore said that he supports the concept, as it would help the community become more self-sufficient.
IVSHA already has received tremendous local support for the project. In-kind donations have been received from Suri Futures alpaca ranch, Roger’s Tractor Service and Territorial Seeds. Plus, Good Earth Organics, Gary Price Tractor Service, and Fire Mountain Gems co-owner Stuart Friedman have pledged donations.
Clouser Drilling has agreed to drill a well for the project, but adverse weather conditions have thus far prevented that work. IVHSA Executive Director Christine Mallette said that a well would be preferable for the garden, as being on the city’s water system could become expensive.
“We’re trying to do this at no cost to our organization,” Mallette said.
The garden area has been surveyed, tilled and planted, and a cover crop of crimson clover is germinating.
Moore said that the city owns a 1.5-acre piece of property with two wells on it. The property was abandoned due to high mineral content from the wells, Moore said, but could be used for a garden.
One load of compost already has been donated for the garden from Suri, and more have been promised.
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IVSHA has budgeted $24,000 in grants for the garden project, and is estimating that major components such as a pump house, pump and fence will cost around $10,000. Grants for that also are sought. Two bids have been received for electrical work. Solar power was considered, but would cost an estimated $25,000.
A $3,000 grant application has been submitted to the Equity Foundation, and IVHSA plans to use that as a template for future grants.
IVSHA Development Coordinator Iris Chinook said that the group is trying to get everything together in time for planting a winter garden.
On a wish list are a deer fence, shed, shovels, hoes, pruners, hoses, sprinklers, straw, and wheelbarrows. Also, a small cement mixer, drinking fountain, a picnic table and benches, lights, soil test kits and trash cans.
For more information or to help, phone 592-4147.
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