New Douglas Community Garden project has a second wind

Two weeks ago, the idea of a community garden in New Douglas was thought to have died on the vine. However, hope is again blooming for the project.

“Once in a while, there is a silver lining after a dark storm, and this is one of those times,” said Peggy Dunn, who has been trying to get the project going.

After less than a 1 percent response from New Douglas residents to an online survey regarding a community garden and farmers market, Dunn had thought that was the end of her garden idea. But now, with the support of the New Douglas Township Board and the Madison County government, a new source of funding has been identified to build a community garden, a rain harvesting program, a weekly village market, and a children’s garden and education program for New Douglas, Dunn said.

“Generous support has been given by the Highland Rural King in the form of seeds for the garden,” she said.

The first information meeting to discuss the New Douglas Township Community Garden will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10 at the Rec Plex.

“Come learn about the garden project, the market and the children’s garden program and have your questions answered,” Dunn said.

Dunn and Township Supervisor Duane Schallenberg will be in attendance to provide information about the first failed grant attempt and moving forward with the idea of providing food for the township residents also donating to local food banks.

For inquiries, contact the township at (217) 456-6132 or visit the Garden Facebook page at facebook.com/NewDouglasGardenMarket.

This story was originally published February 8, 2016 at 4:47 AM with the headline "New Douglas Community Garden project has a second wind."