Volunteers Needed for Community Garden

The team at the Franklin County ISU Extension and Outreach Office is looking for people to help water and weed the community garden behind St. Patrick Catholic Church this summer. 

The community garden was started three summers ago, with funds from the Growing Together Iowa grant, and it’s been a labor of love, said Extension employee Lili Velasco. 

Before long, the garden will be filled with peppers, watermelon, pumpkins, tomato, cucumbers, zucchini, cilantro and herbs, all of which will be donated to the county food pantry. 

Velasco encourages anyone who’s interested in helping to contact the Extension office at 641-456-4811. They’re also looking for a picnic table to place near the garden. 

"The community garden isn’t just about growing food—it’s where we come together, share stories, and enjoy the simple joy of nature, all while helping stock the food pantries with fresh vegetables,” said Velasco. 

The land and water for the garden is donated by St. Patrick Catholic Church.