FFA members lead 2nd graders to the Corn Maze in the 2011 project
They hope someone will take advantage of the offer this year
FFA President Brent Willett announced this week that the Cedar Springs FFA chapter is planning to offer free garden plots to any community member who contacts the Agriscience Department prior to May 1, 2012.
The FFA is preparing its Land Laboratory for the coming growing season. The plots will be located on the North end of the Land Laboratory between Red Hawk School and the High School. “We offered the plots last year and did not get any response from the community,” Willett remarked. “We were surprised that no one wanted to produce their own food in this economy. As we reflected we realized that we may have been a little late announcing.”
Jerry Green, local FFA Vice President added, “We decided to announce earlier this year, and if we don’t get a response by May 1, we will proceed to plant the entire acreage to corn.”
Charles Nelson, club Sentinel, explained that the plot soil would be prepared for planting, and seed and water will be provided, just like last year. The group is also planning to prepare a corn maze, like last year. “We took every 2nd grader in our Beach Elementary through the corn maze, gave them a free Michigan apple, milk, and take home items, and allowed them to enjoy our petting farm last fall,” said Nelson. “We considered the entire project a success. Our land lab committee of myself, Green, Willett, D White, Dick Willett, Rick Sevey, Jake Gebhardt, Ginger Nelson, Larry Reyburn, and Dan Spangenberg, have been instrumental in laying the ground work for this project.”
The members, in addition to the corn maze and petting farm, arranged for all 2nd graders to sit on a brand new tractor and ride a hay ride back to class. This year they plan to allow the general public to enjoy the corn maze as well.
If you are interested in a garden plot for the 2012 growing season contact the FFA at the agriscience program at 616-696-1200 extension 6131 for more information or to reserve your plot.
