ABOUT US
Since 2009, the Community Gardens have offered families and individuals the opportunity to plant and harvest healthy produce while offering education to our communities, food to those in need, and a way to implement several Blue Zone Power 9 Principals into their lives. Nearly 40 families have been involved each year and that number is expected to grow. We also encourage area businesses and organizations to partner with us in order to together extend our reach into the community and contribute to an exciting beautification project that is developing. We believe the Community Gardens are a timely solution to combat obesity, disease, and food insecurity; and create a beautiful, unique and peaceful space for the community to enjoy.
Locations
Two sites totally nearly an acre of tilled land are located (1) the corner of 23th St. and Zenith Avenue, which is northeast of the new addition of Lakes Regional Healthcare - land donated for use by Lakes Regional Healthcare, and (2) south of Dynos convenient store off Hwy 71 and Peoria Avenue - land donated for use by Dynos.
Annual membership Costs
Member fees cost $35 for families or $25 for seniors and single person households.
Member Responsibilities
Responsibilities include signing up for three scheduled work nights during the first six weeks of planting, signing up for two weeks of "watering duty" during the season, and contributing a small amount of time each week as you are able to contribute to planning, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and cleaning up sites. However, all members are responsible for sharing in the work throughout the gardens.
Harvesting Rules
All members share in all the harvest of everything from both Spirit Lake sites as it comes available. We encourage members to take their "fair share" in whatever way they see that as. It is said: "Work a little, take a little. Work a lot, take a lot." But as have always seen, there is more than enough for everyone.
Giving to Those in Need
We believe those in need can be cared for by our garden community and it's harvest. When produce is at it's height we encourage members to share with community members in need. We are always looking for partnerships to reach those individuals as well. Current partnerships include Community Table, Discovery House, Cherish Center, Spirit Life Food Pantry, Upper Des Moines and others throughout the season.
Education
We consider the DCC Gardens an outdoor classroom and strive to educate our community about basic food preservation and preparation techniques. Part of our mission is to encourage people to consume more vegetables and help everyone enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, moving naturally, and learning where your food comes from. We meet with many groups throughout the season. If you know of a group of children or adults that would like to participate in our "outdoor classroom" or would like your students, employees or organization to benefit from a short educational workshop at your location please contact Amy Nyvall at [email protected].
The Dickinson County Community Gardens is a partner with the Spirit Lake Blue Zone Project.
Participating in the Community Gardens specifically engages individuals in four of the Power Nine Principles: plant slant with more fresh veggies on your plate; move naturally; down shift with stress shedding activities; and joining a right tribe with social circles that support healthy behaviors.
Thank you to the huge support from:
Locations
Two sites totally nearly an acre of tilled land are located (1) the corner of 23th St. and Zenith Avenue, which is northeast of the new addition of Lakes Regional Healthcare - land donated for use by Lakes Regional Healthcare, and (2) south of Dynos convenient store off Hwy 71 and Peoria Avenue - land donated for use by Dynos.
Annual membership Costs
Member fees cost $35 for families or $25 for seniors and single person households.
Member Responsibilities
Responsibilities include signing up for three scheduled work nights during the first six weeks of planting, signing up for two weeks of "watering duty" during the season, and contributing a small amount of time each week as you are able to contribute to planning, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and cleaning up sites. However, all members are responsible for sharing in the work throughout the gardens.
Harvesting Rules
All members share in all the harvest of everything from both Spirit Lake sites as it comes available. We encourage members to take their "fair share" in whatever way they see that as. It is said: "Work a little, take a little. Work a lot, take a lot." But as have always seen, there is more than enough for everyone.
Giving to Those in Need
We believe those in need can be cared for by our garden community and it's harvest. When produce is at it's height we encourage members to share with community members in need. We are always looking for partnerships to reach those individuals as well. Current partnerships include Community Table, Discovery House, Cherish Center, Spirit Life Food Pantry, Upper Des Moines and others throughout the season.
Education
We consider the DCC Gardens an outdoor classroom and strive to educate our community about basic food preservation and preparation techniques. Part of our mission is to encourage people to consume more vegetables and help everyone enjoy the benefits of the outdoors, moving naturally, and learning where your food comes from. We meet with many groups throughout the season. If you know of a group of children or adults that would like to participate in our "outdoor classroom" or would like your students, employees or organization to benefit from a short educational workshop at your location please contact Amy Nyvall at [email protected].
The Dickinson County Community Gardens is a partner with the Spirit Lake Blue Zone Project.
Participating in the Community Gardens specifically engages individuals in four of the Power Nine Principles: plant slant with more fresh veggies on your plate; move naturally; down shift with stress shedding activities; and joining a right tribe with social circles that support healthy behaviors.
Thank you to the huge support from:
- Lakes Regional Healthcare - Donates the land at the Sr. Center Site
- Dynos of Spirit Lake (Jo & Del Nelson) - Donate the land and water at the Dynos site
- Dickinson County Endowment Fund 2013 - Awarded $2700 to build a new equipment shed
- Hy-Vee One Step Community Garden Grant - $750 equipment and supplies
- Spirit Lake Hy-Vee, various donations and support each year
- City of Spirit Lake - $600 Support Grant
- Member Donations
- And so many others