Press Release __________________________
For Immediate Release
April 4, 2019
Apple Ridge Farm unveils next phase of George Washington Carver Garden with Special Guest VA Delegate Sam Rasoul
Roanoke, VA. – In 2017, Apple Ridge Farm partnered with Northwest Neighborhood Environmental Organization (NNEO) to advise and assist in expanding the community garden project – George Washington Carver Garden. The Garden serves as a way to build community through growing and increasing access to healthy local produce, an educational site, as well as production for the Well farm stand. The Well is operated by Apple Ridge Farm’s Aspire students and supported by Focused Radio from June to October.
In it’s initial phase, Apple Ridge Farm staff and community members built community beds and raised beds. Today, from 3. p.m. to 5 p.m., Apple Ridge Farm will be unveiling its next phase at the Garden.
The Garden’s next phase includes installing fences and gates, building additional raised beds, and planting fruit trees, as well as berry bushes. Fruit trees that are being planted today include two pears and an apple. Eight blackberries, eight blueberries, and eight raspberries are also being planted. Later in the season an apricot and Cherry tree will be planted.
At 4 p.m., Virginia Delegate Sam Rasoul, along with Apple Ridge Farm Executive Director John Lewis, will be present to discuss food access and equity with University of Delaware students.
The Garden is a community partnership with local organizations and community members: NNEO, Carilion, Amazetta Anderson, and Arthur Hill. “We are working diligently with our community partners and members to create a sustainable local food system within Northwest Roanoke and other designated food deserts in the city. The George Washington Carver Garden is a model for sustainable growth of food and successful community building”, states Executive Director John Lewis.
The Garden is a direct connection to the programming conducting at the Apple Ridge Academic Summer Camp, where one of the program focuses is agriculture.
Many volunteers have assisted in the upgrade to the garden. Volunteers have included University of Delaware Alternative Breaks students, VT Engage students, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and several community members. In addition to providing a direct service, volunteering is a great way to learn about the social issues, as well as learn or apply gardening skills. Interested volunteers can assist every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Garden is located at 525 Loudon Avenue NW (the corner of Loudon Ave and 6th Street).
To learn more about Apple Ridge Farm, volunteer and community engagement opportunities, and the academic summer camp, please contact the main office at (540) 982-1322.