Bourbon Woman Growing Community Garden Plan
A Bourbon woman is hoping to have her dreams take root –literally. Ashley Fink, project leader of Food Warriors, is hoping to share her vision of a community garden with the public through the creation of a garden located on Triton School Corporation property.
“This is an ongoing project within our community,” States Fink on her website. “Right now it is in the planning stages as we present this opportunity to the Triton School Board on April 14. We will work together with Triton School Corporation, the Bourbon Public Library, Blue and Gold After School and the United Pentecostal Church to provide fresh, healthy food for our area.”
Though the project is still in the initial phases of planning currently, Fink has a clear idea of where she wants the project to go. According to Fink, the community garden would not only provide community members with fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, but could also provide an educational outlet on the processes of growing and preserving fresh crops for young and old alike. By utilizing school property, Fink hopes that all will feel welcome to come enjoy the garden and it’s harvest, as well as provide students with a first hand look at the biology behind gardening.
In addition to providing an educational outlet for students, Fink has noted that several individuals have expressed interest in teaching community members on preservation practices such as canning foods from the garden as well as how to cook fresh ingredients. Should the garden plan be accepted, Fink hopes to incorporate a multitude of classes as well as community opportunities with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America.
The garden would not only serve the purpose of feeding those who tend it, instead, Fink hopes that should the garden yield a surplus of food, the food could then be donated to a local food bank to be given to needy families who may not be able to afford fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. In addition, Fink has stated that current plans for the garden are to keep foods as free of harmful toxins as possible.
Fink will present her plans for the garden for approval by the Triton Community School Board at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14, and encourages anyone interested to attend the meeting to hear more about the plan and show support. For further information or questions, visit the Bourbon Food Warriors Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bourbonfoodwarriors.