Courtesy of Nicolet College
RHINELANDER – The Northwoods Community Garden Board has launched its Grow The Garden campaign, where funds donated from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15 will be used to advance the continued success of the garden and create additional opportunities for residents, Nicolet College said in a release.
Construction started on the garden last year and just finished its first growing season, with all 48 plots rented.
“It was nothing short of both humbling and amazing to watch the garden grow over the season and end with such a bountiful harvest,” said Pete Zambon, president of the Northwoods Community Garden Board. “Along with loads of all sorts of fresh vegetables, people also grew plenty of pumpkins, sunflowers, ornamental flowers, you name it. Without question the first year went quite well.”
“The Northwoods Community Garden Board is looking to build on that strong start, which includes the construction of a shed,” Nicolet stated.
The fundraising campaign through the SeedMoney organization is offering matching grants for food garden projects through the 30-day crowdfunding challenge.
Every dollar donated increases the chance the Northwoods Community Garden will receive a matching grant, which go to organizations garnering the most donations.
To receive the matching funds, donations need to made through the SeedMoney website. To donate, visit www.donate.seedmoney.org/6405/northwoods-community-garden.
The garden board has set a goal of raising $3,000.
Located in the Field at Nicolet College next to the Renewable Energy Center, the garden features 48 plots measuring 10’ x 20’. An additional 16 plots will be added in 2022 to meet increasing demand. Each plot rents for $40 annually.
“Along with growing healthy food, the location also doubles as a teaching garden, with many Nicolet College and ArtStart classes taught on site,” Nicolet said. “This past year, classes included growing indigo for the Fresh Leaf Indigo Fabric Dyeing, Weaving the Wild Basketry, Wild Apothecary and Herbal Remedies, along with opportunities for area youth to learn hands-on gardening skills through the University of Wisconsin – Extension 4-H program.”
This summer the garden was also the site for the AMASS art exhibit by artist Ian Van D.
“The strong community support the garden has received in the past year is something we very much appreciate and want to only build on for an even better year in 2022,” Zambon added.
For more information, visit www.northwoodscommunitygarden.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/northwoodscommunitygarden, or email [email protected].