Moriah introduces new community garden

PORT HENRY | The town of Moriah has gotten a pilot project underway, and it is the intention that anyone in the community who needs to supplement their groceries will be able to take advantage of the initiative. The first-ever Moriah Community Garden has been planted, and as the seeds germinate, organizers and volunteers are hoping that something even more meaningful has taken root. "It will be a great program," remarked Moriah Chamber of Commerce and Town Councilman Jim Curran. "We are going to have free vegetables for anyone that can utilize them." A community garden is a piece of land where a group of people, whether individually or collectively, cultivate plants, fruits, and vegetables. Designed for community engagement and food production, community gardens often foster and encourage social interaction and can be a place for learning and skill-sharing. Benefits often include not only access to healthy food, but an increase in physical activity and stress reduction. When it comes to community gardens, everybody wins. Sponsored by the Chamber, the idea for the garden was pitched by Nicole Van Buren (of Vintage Reimagined), and at a chamber meeting, it was quickly adapted and set into motion, with everything planted on May 21. "When the town sent out the new tax assessments, I was concerned about people who already struggle to afford the higher costs of food, especially our seniors and people on fixed incomes," Van Buren revealed. Chamber President Pastor Ric Lewis added that all community members will be welcome to enjoy the garden's harvest. "We want to help folks that need it in these times," he assured. Located in front of the Moriah Town Hall behind the Amtrak Train Station, the garden is starting out at a modest size, roughly 12' x 12'. It will be a vegetable-filled plot, with lettuce, Swiss chard, two different types of tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, zucchini and summer squash. According to Curran, the more people who take interest, the more the garden will be able to expand. "Supervisor Matt Brassard has already identified another area down by Port Henry Beach that we can use next year if this program really takes off," he said. "The more the community shows interest, the more we can grow." So far, the endeavor has been a true community enterprise, with Curran bringing in topsoil from his own business, Jimmy's Lawn Care, and performing the excavating and tilling. Michelle Budwick of Sprout's Greenhouse generously donated the plants, and Jackie Viestenz, Carol Chiarella, and Patty Gallagher giving their time, energy, and care into tending to the garden. Soil was donated by Dan White of Westport and Spaulding's Farm. "We are looking for volunteers to come down and weed and water the garden," Curran said. "That is the non-glory but necessary part." Curran explained the resource is based on a trust system, and people may take what they like, with the understanding not to take more than they need and be wasteful. "Anyone can take what they need within reason," he said. " We will pick a lot of stuff to bring into the train station, so people can grab and go." Those who would like to lend a helping hand in the garden are encouraged to call the Moriah Chamber of Commerce at 518-250-1050.

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Moriah introduces new community garden

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