Tuesday, May 4, 2010 • Volunteers needed for good cause

Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, May 4, 2010 edition of the Lassen County Times.

Plans are finally under way for a community garden in Susanville. The garden, masterminded by Doug Sheehy and Tim Ziegler, will be primarily fruits, vegetables and grains, and once ready, the produce will be donated to families in need.

The idea of having a community garden has been on Sheehy’s mind for quite some time and Ziegler had been looking for the right property in order to make it happen.

“This year, (Ziegler was able to get some property) and he said ‘Hey, there’s the community garden, you can use what you want.’ So I jumped on that from there and started taking off with it,” said Sheehy.

When the property was finalized, Sheehy went around to numerous businesses and everyone was happy to donate their time and equipment needed.

“It’s been really cool for me meeting all these guys out there who have been farming for years,” said Sheehy.

Every Bloomin’ Thing donated seeds and pots for the starter plants, Bullseye Recycling donated a 2,500 gallon tank for irrigation, Medici Logging transferred the tank and will be doing some plumbing and getting the tank ready for irrigation and Payless Building Supply donated materials to make the sign, which local artist R.W. McBride will be putting together.

“(Lassen High School’s FFA advisor) Holly Egan, has been kind enough to offer the greenhouse (at the high school) and have students take care of the starter plants,” said Sheehy.

Other contributors to the community garden are Jack Haslem, Dow Ranches and Hitchings Ranch.

The property is about a quarter of an acre and is located off Johnstonville Road. The land has already been ploughed, dissed and rowed thanks to volunteer efforts.

There is already a tool shed with an outhouse and a refrigerator on the way.

The property is located by the river and there will be a lot of daily upkeep required to keep the area pristine for growing the crops.

Volunteers are needed for planting and care of the property.