CRC seeks input on community garden

Tilling the soil, planting and growing vegetables offers many rewards from homegrown food on the table to time spent outside in the fresh air.

The Butler County Community Resource Council is working to expand community gardens in an effort to improve the lives of children and families, and they are asking for the public’s input. An award is being offered to one lucky person who takes the survey.

The CRC is working in conjunction with the Butler County Wellness Council committee, which is open to the public, said Amal Saleh, Community Resource Council community coordinator.

Wellness committee members include health professionals, community members, parks and recreation professionals, prevention educators and researchers.

Both groups are residents to participate in a survey to determine the level of interest in the project and its location, Saleh said.

By obtaining enough data, the Wellness Council hopes to help low-income individuals and families access healthy foods by locating the gardens in areas where there is the most need and interest. Saleh said this would be the third community garden in Butler County, as there already is one by the Butler County Health Department and another next to the Juice Cafe. The goal with an additional one is to make it more accessible to communities not nearby the two existing ones.

Saleh said, “We would greatly appreciate it if you could take our brief survey and share it with your network.” The survey will be located at www.thecrc.org.

The CRC has decided to offer an incentive this month of a $50 gift card to one lucky person who answers the survey. A winner will be announced Monday, Dec. 21, on social media.

Saleh said, aside from the drawing, residents will have the opportunity to enjoy a scenic space, learn how to garden, save money on groceries, improve their overall health, and be an active member of the community.

Visit the website at www.thecrc.org and follow directions to take the survey, which will ask the following questions:

* 1. Poplar Bluff would benefit from having a community garden?

* 2. Are you interested in volunteering at the community garden?

* 3. Please tell us more about why you’d be interested in volunteering? If you aren’t interested in volunteering, why not?

* 4. If you participate in the community garden, what would you be most interested in? An individual plot for you and your family, a shared plot to work with others and share what you grow or another type, but please specify.

* 5. If you participate in the community garden, what types of plants are you interested in growing?

Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Herbs or others.

* 6. How much time would you be willing to spend in the community garden?

* 7. How much do transportation-related challenges prevent you from becoming involved with participating in the community garden?

* 8. Do you have any physical limitations (standing, walking, kneeling, reaching, etc.) which would prevent you from participating in the community garden?

* 9. What is your gender?

* 10. What is your age?

* 11. What is your first name?

* 12. What is your street address?

* 13. How may we contact you?

* 14. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?

The survey will be open for the rest of the month, Saleh said. After gathering input on the project, the Wellness Council would apply for a grant to cover the costs of constructing a garden. The hope, she said, is to have it open by spring.

They’re also looking for volunteers, she said, to help maintain the garden once it’s up and running.