Community garden board surveys public interest

The Wrangell community garden has seen better days. Its board members believe it can see those days - plus a little more - again.

A survey was recently posted online to gauge interest from the community in revitalizing the garden. So far, 40 people have responded, and three have said they want to be on the board.

According to Kim Wickman, one of two board members, a great deal of work has already been done to make the plot workable. It's located on Zimovia Highway just south of Heritage Harbor, behind the cemetery.

"We've already got a lot of the groundwork covered," Wickman said. "We got all the old beds tore down, the (Wrangell Cooperative Association) built us a bunch of new garden beds, couple high schoolers built us a couple taller garden beds for people who might have mobility issues, and now we just need to figure out who wants to be out there and if they want to be out there."

The survey is being used to find out who wants to use the space by renting a garden bed for a minimal cost, and who wants to be part of the board. Wickman said the hope is to not just make gardening space available, but to provide educational classes on gardening and composting. If people don't have a spot rented at the garden, the classes could help them with efforts in their home gardens.

"It can be intimidating, this idea that you can grow your own food," she said. "You try it one year and it fails miserably because the slugs ate it all or it rained the entire time. So (the goal is) helping people get over these hurdles and see anybody can do this. Sometimes you'll succeed, sometimes you'll fail, but when you succeed and you actually get to go out and pick your own peas and pull your own carrots, it can be a really, really cool experience for people."

Wickman said gardening is also beneficial for mental health, it helps people feed themselves, and helps to save money. "But we have to have people who are interested and dedicated and want to be a part of it first before we dive in to finding the funds."

The survey has ended, but those with questions or interest in the garden can email Wickman at kwickman1229@gmail.com.