In 2018, we canvassed residents about starting a community garden though various social media outlets. Based on an overwhelming response our Association leased the former Kinsella property, east side of Kelly Park, from the town in 2018. With the help of Town staff and a group of resident volunteers, and with funding from the province, and a private foundation we cleared a third of the property for a 13 raised bed organic garden which opened in June. Over the next 3 years, we added 16 more beds of which 5 are allocated to SFOA school for their K-6 outdoor learning program while 23 families occupy the other beds. Fruit trees and bushes have also been added. A contest was held at the school to select the name for the garden.

In 2019, with a grant from the Town, we planted a ‘living pollinator willow fence’ to attract bumblebees, honey bees, and butterflies and to deter moose from feeding on our vegetables.

In September of each year, SFOA students and their teachers visit the garden to dig and bag the potatoes they planted in June and donate the entire harvest to the Northeast Avalon Foodbank. Our Association gratefully extend tremendous thanks to the principal and teaching staff at SFOA School for partnering with us on this outdoor classroom project. Funding for this project came from the following granters: TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, NL Community Healthy Living Fund, Eastern Health-Wellness Coalition Avalon East, NL Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Community Garden Support program, and our Town Council. Further expansion of the garden and garden projects will occur as funds become available in the coming years. You can help-Send your gift today.

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"Hands-on learning and community service, all rolled into one!"  Heidi Williams, Principal of SFOA School, 2019.

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