By Joseph D. Bryant
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District
Dozens of residents, neighbors and volunteers converged at Marks Village last week to create a community vegetable garden and green space.
The Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and the Marks Village Resident Council teamed with The Nature Conservancy in Alabama to present the project in observance of Earth Month.
Early in the project, The Nature Conservancy team met with Marks Village residents to assess their interest and learn what they wanted in the garden. Interest was immediate.
Marks Village Resident Council President Cassidy Moore helped spread the word about efforts to restore it. For years, Moore worked in a previous garden on the lot.
“It’s good for me and it also gives you piece of mind being out there,” Moore said. “And the kids especially love being outside and in the dirt.”
Father Nature Landscapes of Birmingham provided volunteer tilling to prepare the site. Volunteers also included members of the Serve Team from Church of the Highlands.
“Appreciating nature and caring for our natural resources are shared responsibilities,” said HABD President/CEO Michael Lundy. “This garden illustrates that principle, and brings nature to the front doors of our residents. It is our hope this space becomes a natural oasis that inspires our youngest residents to appreciate our Earth and learn even more about their role in enhancing it.”
Lundy said the garden also helps address the problem of food deserts in lower income areas by providing healthy food options.
The new space includes raised garden plots and small park-like seating near the plants. Crops include cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, peppers and blueberries.
Marks Village’s Richard Sims, better known as “Cowboy” to residents, was on hand Saturday. Sims’ affinity for gardening and landscaping is evident by the decorations and pottery that lines the walkway to his front door.
Plans were drawn, seed and soil were prepared, and a troupe of volunteers arrived ready to work in the Gate City neighborhood.
“Urban conservation projects not only restore the natural benefits that ecological systems provide, but also offer social and economic benefits,” said Francesca Gross, a wetlands scientist and greenway specialists. “They help to decrease environmental-management costs, engage stakeholders and beautify the community.”
Gross is the urban conservation associate for The Nature Conservancy in Alabama.
“This project will bring together residents and volunteers to create beauty, grow food and instill an appreciation of nature,” said Galvin Billups, HABD director of resident services. “This will grow to become a source of pride for this community.”
The Marks Village garden is part of more than 200 volunteer opportunities organized by the Nature Conservancy this spring. The program called Connect with Nature helps people around the country find ways to do green volunteer work in their communities.
More volunteer opportunities are available at http://www.nature.org/about-us/volunteer/search-volunteer-opportunities/index.htm
