Dear Reader,

This summer, the Nature Net team (Brenna, Betsy, and I) decided that we would like to take some time to highlight all of the wonderful things our member sites do to promote environmental education and to share many of the exciting programs and events offered to families like you.  With 16 member sites, it is often difficult to keep up with all that each site has to offer, they’re doing so many incredible things!  My goal is to visit each of our member sites throughout the summer months so I can get a better idea of what opportunities exist for families at each site.  I will be posting “Nature Net Site Spotlight” blog posts throughout the rest of the summer.  I hope that you and your family will find this helpful in planning activities for the summer months and beyond.

Enjoy,

Kelsey

Nature Net Intern

Troy Gardens

A Project of Community GroundWorks

My Visit:

Troy Gardens is a beautiful property devoted to the growing of both healthy communities and food.  I was able to explore a large portion of Troy Gardens, which is split into four main sections: The Community Farm, Kids’ Garden, Community Garden, and Natural Areas.  These four areas are all vital to the balance of Troy Gardens.  While each section has its own focus, they all share a mission: to connect people to food and nature.

Troy Community Gardens:

The Troy Community Gardens provide families and individuals with the opportunity to grow their very own food.  The goal is to build communities among individuals of all ages, income levels, and cultural backgrounds.  For more information on the Troy Community Gardens or to learn how to sign up for a seasonal plot, click here.

Troy Kids’ Garden:

The Troy Kids’ Garden provides educational experiences to kids coming from both local community centers and local schools.  The Kids’ Garden programs include hands-on experiences such as planting, tending a garden, and cooking.  Other activities include nature play and art crafts.  The aim of the program is to promote the importance of healthy food systems, minds, bodies, and a healthy natural environment.

Troy Community Farm:

The Troy Community Farm sits on five acres of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.  These organically grown crops are produced for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) customers and sold on Thursday nights at the Troy Gardens Farm Stand.  The aim of the program is to provide the local community with fresh, healthy, high-quality food.  For more information about the Troy Gardens Farm Stand, click here.  For more information about joining the Troy Gardens CSA, click here.

Natural Areas:

Almost ten acres of Troy Gardens has been restored or is in the process of being restored to its natural habitat.  Some of these natural areas include: a wildlife corridor (great for bird-watching), a tall-grass prairie, Hmong community herb and medicinal garden, herb garden, and edible forest.  The edible forest, which includes many fruit trees located throughout the property, is free to anyone.  These trees are marked with a small sign (seen in picture at right) to indicate they are part of this program.

Events and Volunteer Opportunities offered at Troy Gardens:

Wednesday Herb Garden Work Night

Every Wednesday (starting in May): 6:30-7:30pm.

Volunteer in the Troy Natural Areas

Assist with various restoration projects and stewardship events.

Gardening for Good

Volunteer to help people with disabilities to explore gardening in a community setting.

Troy Farm Stand

Every Thursday (June-October): 4:00-6:30pm.