Deep Roots Mason County program to offer online gardening programs.

May 13, 2020

Deep Roots Mason County program to offer online gardening programs.

LUDINGTON — A partnership between MSU Extension, Lakeshore Food Club, LiveWell Mason County Food Council and local farmers and gardeners has resulted in a new project called Deep Roots Mason County.

“We are excited to be able to approach our gardening education in a new way this year in Mason County,” said Kendra Gibson, community nutrition instructor for Michigan State University Extension. “We really felt that local residents would benefit from this opportunity to ‘garden online together’, given the challenges that we are facing as we move through the Covid-19 pandemic. We are encouraging everyone, but especially families with children, to participate in this summer program as a way to increase physical activity, to get outside, and to connect with their community in a fun and creative way. Our goal has always been to empower families to make healthy food choices and learn through hands-on experiences that are meaningful to them.”

The project will take place online, via the Deep Roots Mason County Facebook page. Throughout the growing season, Deep Roots will share videos, activities and much more to support families and individuals in growing a garden, eating healthy and staying active. Anyone who has liked the Deep Roots Mason County Facebook page can participate by sharing their gardening photos, recipes, success stories, struggles and more. Participants will be eligible to win kitchen and garden tools to help in their growing and cooking adventures.

“We’ve had such a lovely response to our gardening programs in years past, and we wanted to offer something special during this time of social distancing,” said Kate Lietz, program coordinator at Lakeshore Food Club. “We’re excited to gather (remotely) to share experiences and support one another in gaining new skills.”

Deep Roots will kick off by giving away Grab and Go Garden Kits containing seeds, plants and growing information to get gardeners started. Those wishing to receive a kit are asked to pre-register and choose from the “Salad Garden,” “Bountiful Garden” or “Herb and Flower Garden” kit options. To sign up for a Deep Roots Mason County Grab and Go Garden Kit, go to the Deep Roots Mason County Facebook page and sign up through the registration form.

Pickups for the Grab and Go Garden Kits are Friday, May 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Tuesday, May 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. Both pick-ups will be at the Lakeshore Food Club, 920 E. Tinkham Avenue. For more information, please call the Lakeshore Food Club at (231) 480-4334.