Elizabeth, N.J.- Groundwork Elizabeth’s Come Grow With Us! Community Farm and Garden Program is hosting volunteers from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a third Volunteer Day, Monday, April 17th, at 2 community plot garden sites being developed by Groundwork Elizabeth through a “More PEAS” initiative, funded by the NJDEP.
According to officials, over 60 individuals from the NJDEP will travel from a variety of points throughout the State of NJ to construct and plant 50 wooden garden beds at the Elizabeth Housing Authority at Mravlag Manor and 50 more at the Elizabeth Public Library’s Elmora Branch.
Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, along with Freeholders from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and other local public officials have been invited to attend as well. Groundwork Elizabeth has been assisted in preparations by the City of Elizabeth and the nonprofit’s staff will be leading the two separate teams.
Jonathan Phillips, Executive Director for Groundwork said he is overwhelmed by the community interest for the project. “In communities like Elizabeth, in the most densely populated neighborhoods in the State, there is a real need for us to take charge in growing our own food locally to both provide access and sustenance. Community gardens do exactly that, and we are proud to be part of the effort”.
In March 2016 the nonprofit was awarded a two year grant from the DEP which revolves around the subject of permaculture, education in agricultural systems.
For more information on the program known as MORE P.E.A.S. please log onto www.groundworkelizabeth.org., or call 908-289-0262, extension 203.