Stanwood UMC opens Wild Goose Community Gardens in partnership with local non-profit

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Individuals in rain coats stand in front of raised garden beds near a large building
Volunteers work to prepare the Wild Goose Community Gardens for an open house at Stanwood UMC in April 20.

Stanwood United Methodist Church (SUMC) and Puget Sound Public Farms are thrilled to announce the grand opening, blessing, and sign reveal event for the Wild Goose Community Gardens. This exciting community initiative will take place on April 20th at 2:00 PM at the Stanwood United Methodist Church, located at 27128 102nd Drive NW, Stanwood, WA.

Puget Sound Public Farms, a local non-profit organization whose mission is to “Empower Communities to grow their own food”, has partnered with SUMC to establish the Wild Goose Community Gardens. The initiative aims to create a vibrant community space where residents can learn, grow, and connect through gardening.

SUMC is an ideal host for this endeavor, given the strategic location of the parcel adjacent to the church. The site offers essential amenities such as access to water, optimal sun exposure throughout the day, and proximity to numerous residences. These factors make it an exceptional venue for cultivating a thriving garden that will serve as a hub for community interaction and education.

“We are delighted to partner with Puget Sound Public Farms to bring the Wild Goose Community Gardens to fruition,” said Rev. Justin White of Stanwood United Methodist Church. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to foster community engagement and provide resources that promote health and wellness.”

The benefits of the Wild Goose Community Gardens extend beyond gardening. The produce grown will support the Stanwood Camano Food Bank, ensuring that fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are accessible to those in need. Additionally, weekly gardening classes will be offered to residents, providing valuable knowledge and skills to nurture their own gardens.

Residents of the Stanwood-Camano community will have the opportunity to rent raised garden beds or accessible beds to cultivate their own crops, further promoting self-sufficiency and healthy living.

The Grand Opening event on April 20th will feature a Blessing of the Gardens ceremony, followed by a sign reveal marking the official opening of Wild Goose Community Gardens. Members of the community, local officials, and supporters of sustainable agriculture are encouraged to attend and celebrate this exciting new addition to Stanwood.

For more information about the Wild Goose Community Gardens and the Grand Opening event, please contact Kristina Wiederhold or Rev. Justin White at 360.629.9555 or sumc@stanwoodumc.org

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