Helpful and Reverent, two of the 12 points of the Scout Law. Ethan Ferguson, a Life Scout from Troop 369 in Manlius, has combined these important qualities for his upcoming Eagle Scout service project. This spring, Ferguson and his volunteers will add improvements to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Community Garden to complete his Eagle Scout service project.
The garden, started five years ago, was started to offer a gardening spot to local gardening enthusiasts who may not have the best garden locations on their own property. More importantly, it was started to provide food to local food banks.
Each gardener is expected to donate 10 percent of their harvest to local food banks. The church collects and distributes those donations each week as the harvests are received. In recent years, a dedicated portion of the garden has been set aside exclusively and 100 percent for food bank donations.
The garden was started five years ago with 24 plots and has grown to 34 plots. Since then, it has added an enhanced deer fence, a dedicated water supply, a compost bin, picnic tables and multiple other improvements. The GSLC Community Garden has become a center for interaction between church members and the surrounding community.
There is nothing like pulling weeds and harvesting tomatoes promote conversation and goodwill.
Ferguson’s approved Eagle service project is to add raised beds to the garden. Raised beds involve surrounding each plot with boards that can be filled with improved soil and mulch. The raised beds provide better soil conditions and are easier to reach for the gardeners.
The improved garden beds will yield more vegetables and more food for local food banks. Ferguson’s goal is to add raised beds to as many areas as possible depending on his fundraising success.
The Eagle service project process is formal, and projects need to be presented in detail and approved by the National Boy Scout Council. Ferguson will be responsible for planning the project, lining up volunteers, fundraising and managing the project while in progress.
The Good Shepherd Community Garden Committee said it is excited to have Ferguson dedicating his Eagle service project to their garden and looks forward to the improvement that the raised beds will bring.
Anyone interested in donating to Ferguson’s project or owning a plot in the Good Shepherd Community Garden should contact the church at 315-637-9290 or email at [email protected].
