Kim Gonzalez, AdkAction’s first Tom Boothe Adirondack Intern, is overseeing the creation of a community vegetable garden in Keeseville as part of her work with AdkAction this summer. Read on to learn about her plan to convert an unused space into a thriving garden, and  how you can help by donating your time, skills, or supplies!

Residents and visitors in Keeseville have faced considerable challenges in accessing fresh, local whole food since the closing of a supermarket in the area in 2013. A natural addition to our Keeseville Farmacy project, the community garden will give Keeseville residents access to free and healthy vegetables, and an opportunity to engage directly with the growing process through planting and maintenance. Our vision for the garden is for it to be a staple in the community, representative of our ability to come together and make an empty plot of land into a vibrant, growing and bountiful area for everyone.

The creation of the Keeseville Community Garden is being made possible with the community’s support. The garden site has been donated by Barbara Davidson, and is situated between Adirondack Hardware & Rental and Mountain Valley Federal Credit Union, behind a parking lot on Route 9.  Roger Long of Adirondack Hardware & Rental is giving access to a water supply for the garden. Lumber for the beds was sourced from Dave Warner of Wood Grain Sawmill. Others in the community have offered to donate starter plants and volunteered to help maintain the garden after its installation. Although it will be completed after the ideal time to plant vegetables this year, the garden will be an investment to future fruitful summer months.

The garden’s raised bed design is simple, with wide gravel paths for accessibility, and an attached fence to deter animals. Although the plot is currently overgrown with vegetation, we hope to have the area mowed, garden beds installed, and vegetables growing by the end of July.

We’re looking for your support to help make this happen. We need supplies, materials, maintenance volunteers, and help building the raised beds for the garden. For more information on the garden design and what’s needed, please refer to the formal plan for the Keeseville Community Garden.

If you are interested in donating your time, supplies, or other resources, please fill out this form or email [email protected]. Used and new items are gladly accepted. We hope that you will join us to make this plan a reality!

Kim Gonzalez at the future site of the Keeseville Community Garden