There will be a groundbreaking event, literally, at the first workday for the new Community Nourishment Garden in Tyson Park set for 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 18.

Any groups or individuals interested in getting involved with this meaningful community initiative are encouraged to come out and help. You can work all day or any part of the day.
AmeriCorps members working with Knox County CAC developed the plans to build the charitable community garden to foster community involvement and environmental stewardship. The garden has received funding from Knox County CAC, the City of Knoxville, the Knoxville Greenways Coalition, and Comcast. The garden will be cared for by volunteers and the food produced will benefit refugees at Bridge Refugee Settlement Services.

The Community Nourishment Garden will be located on the west side of Tyson Park near the tennis courts and the Concord Street entrance.

It will feature a variety of edible plants, including, apple trees, pawpaw trees, blueberries, raspberries and various vegetables. The garden will also include a butterfly garden, a rain garden, and both water catchment and composting systems.

The Community Nourishment Garden will provide its participants the opportunity to form new bonds within their community, while working collaboratively to provide fresh, healthy produce to fellow community members who need it.

A second major work day is set for Saturday, April 24, as part of Comcast Cares Day. On the day Comcast employees will volunteer in the garden to help install the rain and butterfly gardens, both of which are funded by Comcast.

Though the majority of the garden installation will be complete by the 24th, the project will not be over. Consistent care will be required in order for the garden to flourish.

If you are unable to attend the public work day on April 18th, please consider becoming a steward of the garden by volunteering to provide routine or occasional care.

To learn how to become involved in this project, please contact:
         Matt Butzlaff: [email protected]
         Liz Moniz: [email protected]
         Jake Tisinger: [email protected]