Sustainable Issaquah sees an idea bloom into real community asset

Rarely does there spring up so tangible a piece of evidence of the power of community. Just a few months ago the idea of a community garden in Issaquah was just that, an idea. Yet on Saturday, that idea was transformed into a vision of soil and cooperation, as the first crops were planted at the Issaquah Flatlands Community Garden. "When you talk about sustainable communities, this is just the perfect project," said Chantal Stevens. "It is about growing food, it is about working as a community, it is about opportunities for people with disabilities, it is about the environment..." Stevens was among a group of Issaquah residents who came together in March of this year under the banner of Sustainable Issaquah, to discuss ways in the which they could promote more environmentally and socially appropriate ways to grow the city. The community garden was essentially the first cab off the Sustainable Issaquah rank. Thanks to the involvement of Chris Brandt of AtWork!, a suitable site was made available and the rest relied on the effort and input of those committed to the idea. The site at AtWork!, on Juniper Way, has proven to be an ideal agricultural plot. AtWork! is an Issaquah based organization which helps provide employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities. Eighteen plots have been assigned to community gardeners, with six set aside to grow crops for the Issaquah Food Bank, and to provide space for AtWork! clients to garden in. A number of local businesses contributed to the garden, including Cedar Grove Compost, who as soon as they read about the project turned up at the plot with a truck load of organic fertilizer. The plots cost $40 per year, and two of the plots are set aside for free, or a reduced rate, for low-income people. For more information on Sustainable Issaquah, go to ww.sustainableissaquah.org To request a plot, email issaquahfcg@gmail.com.

Contact Issaquah Reporter Staff Writer Jake Lynch at editor@issaquah-reporter.com.

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