Accomplishments

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2012

On January 16, 2012 the Power of We Consortium AmeriCorps members, in partnership with Allen Neighborhood Center, Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council, Ingham Land Bank, Fenner Conservancy, and other partners, hosted 2 projects in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The first took place at the Hunter Park Garden House, where volunteers expanded on the efforts of last year’s members to make a more inclusive gardening space.  Dozens of volunteers made significant progress in laying a new path with brick pavers, which will be more accessible for people with disabilities.  Volunteers also constructed 2 compost bins that will be utilized by education programs.The second project was held at Fenner Nature Center.  Our members mobilized volunteers to improve the park land by removing invasive plants that are harmful to the forest’s ecosystem and usability.

Hundreds of volunteers gathered on this sunny January day to contribute to their community.  The diverse group of volunteers enjoyed learning about the exciting things happening here in Lansing, especially at Hunter Park Garden House and Fenner Nature Center.

Jared Talaga, an AmeriCorps member with the South Lansing Community Development Association, designed the two garden beds as an Allen Neighborhood Center intern. Bekah Galang, an AmeriCorps member with Allen Neighborhood Center, Johnny Bolan, an AmeriCorps member with NorthWest Initiative, and other community partners wrote two grants to fund this event: MCSC’s Inclusion Mini-Grant and the Global Youth Service Day Mini-Grant. This was a collaboration between several Power of We Consortium AmeriCorps State members and MCSC’s VISTA member — Kathleen Egan.

On April 16, 2011, 40 volunteers, including neighborhood residents, student groups, and others, helped construct and install the raised garden beds in Hunter Park Garden House. Local youth came to sample healthy foods and paint the fruit and vegetable signs that will soon adorn the garden. The event serves as a model for creating more accessible gardens for Lansing-area residents. Several local organizations are now working to ensure that community members of all abilities have the opportunity to garden in their own neighborhood. This and other projects supported by the Power of We Consortium AmeriCorps State Program contribute to a more healthy, sustainable, equitable food system for Ingham County.