Community Roots Garden growing at BHSN

PLATTSBURGH | The Community Roots Garden behind Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) is growing food for body and spirit. Created by staff and assisted by program participants, rows of garden boxes fill a cleared portion of 11 acres behind their Route 3 center. A local not-for-profit organization, BHSN provides mental health, addiction recovery and family support services for people and families throughout the North Country. Community Roots evolved from a garden plot created through volunteer efforts several years ago. Development and Community Grant Specialist Jason Redmond led the expanded project, which earned grant funding from the Square Foot Gardening Foundation (SFG). Redmond said the original garden space was rocky and not well suited to produce a lot of food. Staff and volunteers wanted to broaden their project goals to offer people and families they support with a chance to work outside in nature, learn about gardening, plant seeds and grow some of their own food. "We decided we wanted to make a difference in community. That was the genesis of this whole project. It is worked by volunteers and the volunteers will end up taking home 40 percent of the produce, with 60 percent going to community partners." BHSN staff, PROS participants and family and child support programs have all taken part in establishing roots for the garden. The land rises to a flat wooded area behind BHSN. The non-profit has also trimmed a series of walking paths that loop around the garden expanse, providing trails for exercise. Redmond attributed their success in clearing land for the garden to true North Country grit. "And it's growing," he said. "This is phase one, and hopefully, in phase two it will be doubled next year." Roots take hold from seeds planted, even if you can't see them at first, BHSN CEO Katherine Cook said of the growth process. Compassion, patience and encouragement allow those seeds to flourish. "Growth starts where no one can see it. This is a beautiful reminder to our community of that truth," Cook said. The Community Roots Garden is the result of many hands and generous hearts. "It's been a labor of love by staff who imagined more than just a garden; this represents hope and healing for many people. Each day we have people that we serve come here and engage in the garden. Staff come and walk through and folks can come and just take a walk," she said. "Today we celebrate more than just raised beds. We celebrate connection. We celebrate growth." Assembly Member Michael Cashman was there to help open the garden. "Many people don't have green thumbs, but the North Country collectively has caring hands," he said. "This garden represents connection: everyone can grow here. I can't think of a more fitting space to accompany the work you folks do in this well-being center." Redmond said they hope to extend the walking paths along with garden additions in the coming years. Plantings this year include tomato, lettuce, peppers, eggplant and various types of squash, kale and leafy greens. "We planted a cantaloupe or two," he said. The cold spring weather pushed garden starts forward this year. "But we were able to clear a one-third acre area," Redmond said, pointing to the brush and bramble and raspberry patch that adjoins the garden space. "It was as dense as that," he said. The objective is to cultivate an urban-style garden area, which uses smaller spaces with more efficiency and is more accessible to people with limited gardening experience. BHSN is still actively inviting community partners to join the growth and sponsor their own garden. To find out more, reach out via email: jredmond@bhsn.org BHSN is a leading provider of comprehensive behavioral health services in the North Country and Capital District regions of New York, striving to improve the mental health and well-being of the communities it serves. To learn more about BHSN programs: bhsn.org

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Community Roots Garden growing at BHSN

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