Adopt-a-Plot - Community Learning Garden Volunteers

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General Description

Adopt a 4x20 garden plot for the growing season within the Community Learning Garden at Spring Lake Park Reserve and give back to the community in this important community program. Learn how to grow produce organically , with the help of Parks Outdoor Education staff that will be donated to those in need.  Gardeners may also take samples home for personal use during harvest periods.

The SLG volunteer program starts in April and wraps up in October. All supplies and tools are provided to volunteers including plant starts, seeds, soil amendments, small hand tools, and gardening gloves. Participants must be able to tend to their plots at least once a week.

2025 Season: Keep an eye on your email for additional information on volunteer orientation dates/times etc.

Location

Spring Lake Park Reserve

8395 127th St. E.​
Hastings, MN 55033

Duties and Responsibilities

• Help provide fresh organic produce to the Open Door Food Pantry.
• Tend to your assigned garden plot for a full-season (April-October).
• Maintenance includes planning, planting, watering, and weeding.
• Optional help with harvests every Tuesday morning with Parks staff.

Qualifications

• Must be 1 6 years old or older.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions including direct sun, heat, wind, and rain.
• Ability to work on uneven terrain in muddy and dry conditions and tend to a garden plot that is "in-ground".
• Enthusiasm for the outdoors.
• Willingness to learn new skills and gardening techniques.
• Complete a background check with the county.

Benefits

Great way to gather hours for school requirements, professional development, Master Gardener certifications etc. An opportunity to grow personally , gain new skills, give back to the community, enjoy the outdoors, and bring home fresh organic produce.

Commitment
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 32 hours for the season, April - October 2025. Volunteers may visit their plots any day from dawn till dusk, and it is suggested to visit at least once per week for watering and weeding maintenance. There will be scheduled optional "work parties ", and Community Learning Garden events that volunteers may attend for additional service hours. Volunteers will be required to log their hours and report them at the end of the season.

  Parks staff reserve the right to assist with any adopted plot. This includes weeding, removing overgrown or diseased plants, planting seeds, planting plant starts, watering, harvesting, trimming, etc. If a plot is not visited over a three-week period or is neglected, Parks staff reserve the right to reassign the abandoned or seemingly abandoned plot.

Required Training
Volunteers must complete the Adopt-a-Plot training before volunteering.

Date/Time/Location: TBD

Activity Level

Moderately Active - Will involve varying amounts of activity including walking, standing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended. Volunteers will be outdoors and exposed to weather elements such as sun, heat, cold, wind, and rain.

Contact Information

Angie Tomlinson

Outdoor Education Coordinator

Phone: (651) 554-6533

Email: angela.tomlinson@co.dakota.mn.us