Waunakee Pay It Forward Club cuts ribbon on Garden of Dreams

The Waunakee Community Garden, christened the "Garden of Dreams" through a public vote, was officially dedicated today (7/20/10) at a 1 pm ribbon cutting ceremony. Approximately 35 people were on hand to stroll the garden and take part in the festivities.

The garden, also known as an "edible schoolyard" was created by the Waunakee High School Pay It Forward Club, and club advisor, Mrs. Corina Rogers.

Ground was originally broken on the project Earth Day 2010, with assistance from the club and members of the Waunakee Community, including several employees from local manufacturer, Uniek, Inc.

Paul Meese, Waunakee School Board President, noted that he had "been there from the beginning of the Pay It Forward Club," and lauded the commitment given to the garden project by the students and the community.  "I believe this is the beginning of a great tradition, and I offer my thanks to  the Waunakee Community."

Because tasks such as watering, weeding, and mulching are still required when the students are on summer break, Corina Rogers (Pay It Forward Club advisor) and Jenna McGowan (Pay It Forward member) also spent a few moments thanking several groups and individuals for their efforts to keep the garden growing.

Produce from the garden is harvested by two local organizations, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection and the Waunakee Food Pantry.

Genna Eaton, head of WNC, remarked that families come to the garden each Tuesday at 9 a.m. to pick vegetables and herbs. Eaton wryly noted, "The first time we came out to harvest in the rain, and I had an important meeting to attend right afterward. But seriously, we have so enjoyed this opportunity."

NOTE: Please enjoy the photo slide show below of garden and ceremony scenes from today.

How was the garden funded? Of the 1300 gardens that applied to obtain a grant from Fiskars®, the Garden of Dreams was one of only 20 gardens to obtain funds. The grant included $1,000 in Fiskars® tools and a $1,000 Home Depot gift card.

What's next? The group is currently looking to a rainwater collection company called Second Rain to potentially eliminate their reliance on municipal water.

Previous WKOW article about the Garden of Dreams.

Waunakee Tribune article about the Pay It Forward Club.

Waunakee High School's Pay It Forward Club.

Enjoy previous Hidden Adventures here.

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