Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), a statewide land conservation organization, seeks volunteers for Kids Can Grow, a six-month comprehensive gardening program, teaching youth ages 7-12 how to grow nutritious vegetables, herbs, and flowers for their families in their own 3 x 5 foot raised-bed gardens at home using intensive square foot gardening techniques. Volunteers may participate in a variety of ways from mentoring program participants to helping prepare supplies for gardening.
Wednesday, April 27, MCHT will host a volunteer orientation for individuals interested in mentoring families participating in Kids Can Grow. The orientation will be held from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at MCHT’s Erickson Fields Preserve, 164 West Street in Rockport. The rain location will be MCHT’s Aldermere Farm, 20 Russell Avenue in Rockport.
Since 2009, MCHT in partnership with the Knox/Lincoln County Extension Office has run a Kids Can Grow program at Erickson Fields Preserve. Children participate in a series of “hands on” gardening classes at Erickson Fields May through October and repeat what they learn at home using materials supplied by the program and guidance from a volunteer mentor.
“Kids Can Grow is a feel-good experience for the volunteers who help out and the participants,” commented MCHT volunteer Marina Schauffler. “In our last session, one parent spoke of how much their diet had changed—and how incorporating more fresh vegetables had already dramatically improved their health. In a single growing season, people can learn skills and habits that serve them well for life. It’s gratifying to be part of that process.”
To apply to volunteer, visit aldermere.org/volunteering. For more information about Kids Can Grow, visit aldermere.org/kids-can-grow, call 207-236-2739, or email aldermere@mcht.org.
