Volunteer opportunities at Crossing Healthcare Garden Party

DECATUR — In 2021, a partnership between Crossing Healthcare and the University of Illinois Extension yielded 3,534 pounds of produce, which was distributed to prescription produce patients.

These patients included individuals with health conditions or food insecurity. Volunteers would spend 1,012 hours in the garden last year. Learn about how that number can grow. You can also learn about volunteer opportunities at the Crossing Healthcare Garden by attending the garden party.

“This garden makes growing fresh food and personal nutrition accessible to everyone,” says horticulture educator Sarah Vogel. “Learn how you can support this amazing resource to our community and pick up a few gardening and nutrition tips along the way.”

About the Garden Party

The Crossing Healthcare Garden Party will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on August 18 at Crossing Healthcare, 320 Central Ave. in Decatur.

Stroll through the garden and search for the missing plants on your scavenger card. Complete the scavenger card and submit your entry into a drawing for a potted plant. Brush up on your facts about corn and soybeans, learn about superfoods, and pick up some tips on growing in small spaces from Master Gardeners. Salsa, cookies, and beverages will be provided.

Register for the event by August 9 at go.illinois.edu/GardenParty.

About the Extension’s horticulture program

The horticulture program is a branch of the University of Illinois Extension that provides research-based information and training about soil testing, tree health, lawn care, pest identification and control, vegetable gardening, and more. The horticulture program also provides Master Gardener training. Find DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Extension Master Gardeners and Horticulture on Facebook.

For more information, please contact Julia Duncan, agriculture Extension coordinator, at [email protected] or call (217) 877-6042.

The University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the DeWitt/Macon/Piatt Extension office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.