As springtime comes around, plant lovers may find themselves wishing they could garden, but since many students live in apartments or dorms, gardening may not seem like an option. Luckily, there are many nonprofits around Knoxville where plant and garden lovers can come together to garden or learn more about gardening. Here are just a few to visit this spring.
SEEED Knox
SEEED is a green community development non-profit. It focuses on creating and sustaining jobs for Knoxville’s youth, and it ensures that clean energy technologies are available for low income residents. Their vision is based on creating a sustainable city and sustainable careers for all of Knoxville’s residents. This program is working to prepare Knoxville for a transition into a green age through food access and sustainable practices.
Although there are many different volunteer opportunities at SEEED, one opportunity includes community gardening. Volunteers can also participate in instruction, maintenance and administrative help. More volunteer information can be found at their website. (hyperlink: http://seeedknox.com/index.php/volunteer/)
CAC Beardsley Community Farm
CAC Beardsley Community Farm is an urban, non-profit community farm that promotes food security and sustainable agriculture. The farm works to increase access to fresh produce in Knoxville’s food deserts through produce donations, educational programs and community gardening.
Beardsley Community Farm functions with the help of 2,000 volunteers. The group offers many different opportunities for those wanting to help the farm, like volunteer opportunities, internships, workshare programs and Americorps positions.
Volunteer hours for the spring season are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. If planning on volunteering, those interested should call one day in advance. They also have opportunities for larger volunteer groups. More information can be found at http://www.beardsleyfarm.org/voluntee-opportunities .
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a f47-acre public garden supported through donations located in East Knoxville, just two miles from the center of the city.
The KBGA dates back over two hundred years, making it one of the old treasures of Knoxville’s history. They offer walking trails, display gardens, historic horticulture and over two miles of distinctive stone walls and timeless buildings.
Volunteering duties can include weeding, deadheading perennials, light brush clearing, leaf blowing, sweeping, picking up trash and more. Most work is done outdoors under the supervision of the Director of Horticulture or the Senior Gardener. The typical garden hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Occasionally, group volunteer days will occur on Saturdays.
More information for applying to volunteer can be found at http://knoxgarden.org/support-the-garden/volunteer/.
