OUR FIRST LAND: HOW YOU CAN HELP DEVELOP OUR WALNUT STREET PROPERTY

Dear Friends,

On Monday June 23, Springfield's City Council voted UNANIMOUSLY in support of GTC acquiring 200 and 206 Walnut St. We did not get this far alone, and we appreciate the many people in our community who helped make this day happen (including our tireless Board members!!).

We want to give special appreciation to our Lawyer Ellen Freyman from Schatz, Schwartz & Fenton, the Springfield City Councilors, the Mayor Dominic Sarno and his staff for their continued support. We also want to thank all the City Officials, and everyone who helped us along the way for all their hard work on behalf of GTC, the youth, and urban agriculture in Springfield. A huge thanks to two anonymous donors and the Beveridge Family Foundation for grants that enabled us to buy the land and take this historic step forward in our development.

What happens next?
We expect to take possession of the site on July 10th (location: 200 and 206 Walnut St. between Atwood and James Streets). Both lots are currently in very bad shape, and will require a lot of hard work, resources and care to become the vibrant center for growing and learning that we envision. We will not be able to do this without you!

How can you help?

1. Come out to our clean up day:
   Saturday August 2nd from 10am - 2pm.
   Please mark your calendars and join us. Better yet, organize a group of your friends to come!
   
   
2. Help us find resources for the August 2nd work day and beyond:

• tools (especially large pruners, spades, rakes, pick axes, etc)
  large mower
  wood chipper
  dumpster
  gloves and garbage bags
  water and snacks
  food for grilling up lunch

   3.  Do you know a business or individual who would be able to donate any of the following goods or services?  

• Tree trimming and stump removal
  Wood chips
  Chain link fence deconstruction - including hauling it away to be recycled
  Fence materials (stockade and wood, wire and other materials needed to build our perimeter fence)
  Sign materials (temporary and permanent)
  Electrician
  Shipping container in good shape (to use as a shed)
  Paint for shipping container and signs
  Carpenter
  Fence building help
  Contractor services
  Project Management Services
  Surveying
  Trees, shrubs and perennials for borders (we will plant next spring)
  Compost and clean top soil
  Hoop house materials
  Lumber

   4.  Donate and join our fall event committee
 

Help us raise the funds we need! Click here to donate now through our fiscal sponsor, Third Sector New England.

Join our Harvest Celebration Organizing Committee to help us plan a fundraiser and celebration this fall! Email anne@gardeningthecommunity.org if you are interested.

For all your support in the past and yet to come, THANK YOU!
Together we are creating food justice, building youth leadership and growing community.