Anderson Park Friends, Inc. (APF) announced last week the receipt of a $340 grant from the Foundation for Dane County Parks and Dane County Parks. The grant will be utilized for the APF Pantry Garden’s weed control efforts, specifically through the purchase and installation of weed fabric mulch for the 2024 growing season.
The APF Pantry Garden, located at Anderson Farm County Park, 805 Union Road, aims to grow fresh produce for low-income families in the Oregon, Belleville and Verona areas. All fresh produce harvested will be donated to local food pantries, and additional “blemished” produce will be contributed to Little John’s Kitchen. Plant Root Trainers
Last year, volunteers at the pantry garden faced significant challenges due to an infestation of foxtail weeds, which hindered the growth and yield of onions and squash. To combat this, APF plans to use the grant to install environmentally friendly weed fabric mulch, which offers several benefits such as weed suppression, water retention, and soil nutrient conservation.
The mulch features pre-cut holes for precise plant spacing, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
"The specific features of the fabric include being customized for squash and peppers, laser cut holes for precision spacing, and its ability to suppress weeds while retaining soil moisture,” said Roe Parker, President of Anderson Park Friends. “This safe alternative to chemical herbicides will save hours of labor and improve plant growth."
In addition to the grant, APF will provide a cash match of $85, demonstrating their commitment to this essential project. With the implementation of the weed fabric mulch, APF anticipates a significant improvement in the garden’s productivity, helping to address food insecurity in the local communities.
Volunteers are needed every Tuesday morning from 8:30-10:30 a.m. for light gardening work. For more information, contact Barbara Hill, Garden Leader at 608-835-9090.
For more information about Anderson Park Friends, Inc., and their initiatives, or to get involved, visit andersonparkfriends.org.
Dane County Parks contact: lwrd.countyofdane.com/about/contact-us, Joleen Stinson, Director (608) 422-0657, stinson.joleen@countyofdane.com
Contact editor Scott De Laruelle at sdelaruelle@wisconsinmediagroup.com
Oregon Village board trustees voted at their Monday, June 17 meeting in favor of a letter of agreement with Mueller Communications for their r…
Our newsletter will get you up to speed on news, events & more
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Have the latest local news delivered so you don't miss out on updates.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!
Green House Shade Net Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks. We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: