Humanism in Action: Gardening With Open Arms

Have you always wanted to garden but never had the time or space? Would you like to work the soil with others, developing your horticultural skills while making new friends? Or maybe, after our long Minnesota winter, you’d just like to spend some time doing mild physical labor out-of-doors? If any of these reasons apply, we’ve got an event–indeed, a series of events–for you.

HumanistsMN is partnering with Open Arms, a Twin Cities-based non-profit that provides healthy meals to critically ill Minnesotans and their families. In the news earlier this year when they opened their St. Paul Kitchen and Campus, Open Arms encompasses Open Farms, five metro-area locations where they grow produce to include in their meals. As at their kitchens, much of the work done in Open Farms’ gardens is performed by volunteers. This is where we come in: HumanistsMN is “sponsoring” the Open Farms’ garden at 668 Victoria Street in St. Paul, providing volunteer gardeners as well as funds for site improvements. This Meetup announcement is for the first gardening event in a once-a-month series that will run through October.

Each event is a two hour shift involving from six to twelve volunteers supervised by a master gardener from Open Arms. Over the course of the growing season, volunteers will perform such tasks as weeding, prepping beds, planting, harvesting, and mulching. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear proper footgear. They should bring a refillable water bottle and anything else they need to feel comfortable working outdoors. A water jug and treats will be provided, as well as tools, gloves and materials needed for required tasks; a portable restroom is on site. This event will be held unless weather conditions–high heat, heavy rain–are prohibitive. Two weeks before the event, participants will be sent a link so they can register on Open Arms’ volunteer hub.

This event is sponsored by HumanistsMN. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining to help us cover our costs and build the humanist movement. Not ready to join? Donations are gratefully accepted. Donate or join here.