Riverfront Farm is an experiment in fostering at-risk youth employment through the building of a sustainable neighborhood garden program in historic West Central. Under the guidance of two part-time urban farmers, we envision engaging the services of teen youth to assist with the security, maintenance, watering and harvesting of crops. A multi-week summer “Seeds School” program is also being planned for 2008 for elementary age youth to learn more about gardening, plant science, the culinary arts, and land stewardship. Our sponsor is Project HOPE (a West Central based gang prevention and intervention initiative). We envision multiple lots throughout the West Central Community. Our goal will be not a single vacant lot unplanted!
Project HOPE-Riverfront Farm/Jobs Not Jails
(Building hope and creating green pathways out of poverty for youth in West Central, Spokane)
2008 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Please note the following events and activities that are open to the general public. We are delighted at your interest in healthy food, organic and urban farming and employment options for gang affiliated/at-risk youth. Please use the contact information to verify all dates, times and locations. Thank you!
April 26 – West Central Neighbor Days at AM Cannon Park (1600 N. Belt). Help us set-up/tear down and manage a booth between 10:00am and 2:00pm. This will involve a plant give-away and seeds for kids to plant. We need egg cartons, potting soil and seed donations. Contact Bree Reynolds at 328.1529 to donate and/or volunteer.
May 3 - Farm prep/work day. General spring land/plot/bed preparation. Please bring work clothes, gloves, hat, any small gardening tools you have and a hunger to help transform vacant urban lots into productive gardens. Meet at 9:00am at the Farm-Eco House (2605 W. Boone). Contact Connie Copeland at 434.8160 for further information.
May 6 – Greening Our Neighborhood Film Series. Monthly topic will be “Developing Local Food Systems.” 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Farm-Eco House (2605 W. Boone). Dollar donation suggested.
May 9 – Farm-Eco House Dedication and ReNaming. 5:30-6:30pm at 2605 W. Boone. Please bring seeds or a potted plant for a memorial garden for fallen youth. Contact Patrick Malone at 280.1702.
May 17 – Raised Bed Party!! Come help us construct raised beds at several farm plots for our neighbors. Work from 9:00am until Noon and then break bread with new friends. Bring work clothes, gloves, hat, and any drills, saws and related hand tools for bed construction. Meet at the Farm-Eco House (2605 W. Boone). Contact for further information.
June 3 - Greening Our Neighborhood Film Series. Monthly topic will be “The Greening of Cuba and Local Living Economies.” 7:00pm to 9:00pm at the Farm-Eco House (2605 W. Boone). Dollar donation suggested.
Third Monday –Planning and organizing gathering at Riverfront Farm-Eco House (2605 W. Boone) between 5:15pm and 6:30pm. Join us April 21st (and monthly thereafter) in planning and organizing upcoming events!!
Ongoing –First Friday and Second Saturday Riverfront Farm work days (June through October). 9:00am to Noon. General land/plot/bed prep, care and maintenance. Please bring work clothes, gloves, hat, sunscreen (hopefully), any small gardening tools you have and a hunger to help transform vacant urban lots into productive gardens. Meet at 8:45am at the Farm-Eco House (2605 W. Boone). Contact Connie Copeland at 434.8160 for further information.
Updated: April 10, 2008
Working for stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities,
PATRICK M. COPELAND MALONE, Inland Northwest PRI Program Associate
(Poverty Reduction Initiative & Partnership for Rural Improvement)
3939 N. Freya St., MS 1030, Spokane WA 99217 USA
phone 509.533.4706, fax 509.533.4712
PRI represents a model for institutions considering collaborative ventures in community economic development or expanding access to education. PRI's mission is to act as a catalyst for rural development, making the resources of the institutions available to address community needs and opportunities. PRI carries out its work through staff jointly funded by the Land-grant University and the community colleges.
Established in 1976 through a grant from the W.K Kellogg Foundation, PRI has been funded by the participating institutions since 1983. Current partners include the Community Colleges of Spokane, Grays Harbor College, Skagit Valley College, Walla Walla Community College, and Washington State University.
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