Last week I had the privilege of chatting with Carrie at the CCUA. She gave me a wonderful tour of their center and even connected me with other AmeriCorps employees serving at the CCUA.
The CCUA was a bit like a candy shop for me. I don't have time to be creative in my own landscaping, but I have fond memories of wandering around my grandmothers' yards to admire the landscape. One of my grandmothers is a premier horticulturist and was in demand to judge at many fairs and events in the Pacific Northwest. I have so many happy memories of arranging flowers with her as she coached me on arranging flowers for youth competitions.
The CCUA is located next to the ARC and the Farmer's Market Pavilion. One "branch" of the CCUA is the Opportunity Gardens. Our refugee families can apply to have volunteers come to their homes to help put in a raised bed of edibles. The CCUA has done the research to find out which plants would be well received by our families, and then generated a plan to fit as many nutrient dense veggies as possible into the footprint of the garden. The volunteers then return to help with the different stages of gardening and to mentor the families on how the Missouri seasons affect the growth season. I was told that about 25% of the program is filled with our refugee friends. Cue the happy dance!
The CCUA uses Columbia Parks and Rec land next to the Farmer's Market to grow crops that are then donated to the Central Pantry in our area. The two entities collaborate to decide which veggies are in demand and will be used.
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| A baby food forest! |
I was most intrigued by the new food forest concept at CCUA. Carrie explained that there are traditional trees and shrubs but also different ones like figs and fun variations of old favorites. The shade loving plants are nestled near to taller variations so that a wonderful symbiosis is formed in the plantings. They are currently installing a watering system for the food forest. I can't wait to go back in a few years to see how the food forest has matured and developed.
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| An example of an Opportunity Garden |
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| The collards for the Central Pantry |
Sprinkled throughout the field I saw a group from the NCCC, another branch of the AmeriCorps. The NCCC sends teams of workers to certain areas and helps make a big impact in a short term way. I hope to connect with the group soon and collaborate. One of my favorite things to do is network; I love connecting people and organizations!
And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:22 KJV
Click here to find out more about volunteer opportunities at City of Refuge.
All opinions expressed here are solely mine and are not a reflection of the opinions of the AmeriCorps VISTA program
or of City of Refuge in Columbia, MO.
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