CAPCA volunteer opportunity: Urban Farm Bed Raising in Gary

The Stewart House Urban Farm Group (SHUFG) is planning to start its first growing season this spring with at least 1,000 donated tomato plants, fruit trees and other things. While the soil at the site – located just miles from the U.S. Steel plant — passed EPA inspection, raised beds are vital in urban farming to ensure for non-contaminated soil and easy maintenance. Raised beds allowing for a earlier start to the season and making for a longer growing season

All hands are needed, the more help the more we can do. Two RPCVs are on the urban farm’s board of directors – Desiree Simpson and myself. This project is very important in Gary as we are trying to promote locally grown food in a food desert. (Also, the Northwest Indiana men’s rugby team will also be there if that’s any incentive.)

WE NEED cordless drills, shovels, and as many hands as possible. Please wear appropriate clothing: Work boots, long pants, sleeves, and gloves. RAIN OR SHINE WE WILL BE RAISING THESE BEDS! We will also give a short safety orientation and require that you sign a liability waiver as we will be doing some clean-up of the site.

BRING WATERBOTTLES and, if you’d like, a dish to pass. We will be having food afterwards at a nearby pavilion park. Contributions would be welcome.

Here is the location of the urban farm site…