What a Difference!!

We had a great group of volunteers today for our Make a Difference-Garden Work Day. Thanks to everyone that came and dug up Oregon grape (Anne Marie you are a machine!), yanked out and replanted some big Rhodies (Fortey family, way to go), hauled a lot of compost ( thank you Sasha's dad for making it look neat and tidy), people that did a little bit of everything (Erica H. ), delicious snacks to keep us fueled, some donut eaters more fueled than others, and lots of hard labor!

We pulled out some laurel and juniper to make way for our orchard outside rooms 5 & 6, and the garden is getting ready for the winter. There will be cover crops, and sheet mulch in a few beds, and hoop houses. Under those hoop houses, yet to be constructed by McKinley students, we will have some winter greens that will make their way into the cafeteria eventually. One priority of the garden this year is to get some food we grow on site into the lunch line. How exciting!

Justin & diggers

Before

We'll call this during...

Our "silly" workforce

A big big thanks to Christopher, Brenda and Kelly for taking the lead on what will be happening with the garden in the near future.  Justin and Thad, who never seem to tire of the building, digging, and so-called dirty work of garden construction. McRae for managing our projects so well. Kurt for his truck and endless energy, Erica's willlingness and skill at entertaining younger children, and Deanne's input and management at many levels. Kim for getting us some great seed and getting those beds ready for the next phase. Kristen for her much needed chokers that got those big plants out pretty easily. Geoff for the use of the truck we used to yank out those shrubs.

I don't want to leave anyone un-thanked--although I'm sure I did-- so a big big thanks to those families that continue to devote time and energy to making McKinley's Farm to School Program a success. Thank you thank you!!

Stay tuned for what comes next! We will be planting apple/pear trees and grapes soon (hopefully).

Also, mark your calendars: First Farm to School lunch is Friday, Nov. 18th, sponsered by Sodexo and Salem-Keizer Food and Nutrition. Support local producers and local products, McKinley's Farm to School program, and have lunch with your child!