We have recently launched our new cohort year for the Eco3 VISTA program after a federal pause earlier this year. We are happy to be back, and on September 8 we welcomed the newest member of the VISTA program, Audrey! Audrey will be serving at Carlton County’s Department of Community and Family Initiatives, working on projects to build capacity and improve youth wellbeing. Later in the week was our first event of the year, the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Every year, AmeriCorps members across the country participate in community service projects in honor of the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. This Day of Service was created to honor the sacrifices made in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. In 2002, family members who lost service members in the 9/11 attacks sought to establish an appropriate and fitting tribute to honor their loved ones. Their mission led to the legislative establishment of the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance. As part of AmeriCorps service, our members participate in this Day of Service.
This year, new and returning members of the Ecolibrium3 AmeriCorps programs spent the Day of Service at the Urban Farm, accompanied by Eco3 staff and a couple of volunteers. It has been a busy farm season, especially now during peak harvest, so members assisted our farm staff in some much-needed caretaking of the farm.
The primary project for the Day of Service was replacing the plastic on the high tunnels, which needs to be replaced every five years due to normal wear and tear. To do this, AmeriCorps Members and staff placed a 4,000+ square foot sheet of plastic over High Tunnel One, cut it to the correct length on each side, and then secured the plastic on the sides. The goal was to replace the plastic on both high tunnels; however, due to the fog and dampness that day, the conditions were not ideal to finish the project. We also had some assistance from our friends at Agate Acres Farm. Thank you to Emily and Kylie for your help and guidance on how to replace our high tunnel plastic!
In addition to replacing the plastic on High Tunnel One, members assisted in cleaning the property and filling a dumpster with various materials that had accumulated over the years on the farm. Once the dumpster was filled, members moved on to cleaning recently harvested garlic to finish out the day.
Our Day of Service was filled with teamwork, cohort bonding, and gave us the opportunity to further support food access in our community by serving at the Urban Farm. Are you interested in joining the fun? The Eco3 AmeriCorps programs are recruiting! Check out our available positions on the VISTA and Energy Training Corps webpages. Apply now; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.