06/11/2026
Our program today was so inspiring with Elena Busova, the Director of Pewabic Street Community Garden in the city of Houghton. The gardens have a right history, originally they were self-funded which was expensive for materials and soil. During the first years the gardens were grown together and the produce was donated to Omega House. After a few years, the gardens were expanded to 7 large beds, allowing the garden to be split into individual plots that could be assigned. But there were still challenges in improvements and maintenance and a group of board members and volunteers started writing grants and were able to fund 6 more raised beds and an irrigation system. Three of the 6 beds are part of a successful school garden project, where students first visit in September to learn about the garden and then return to plant in spring. Produce goes to the school's food giveaway program as well as the food bank and Omega House. Pewabic Community Gardens is still growing the organization, for example, consulting with local families on how to garden at their own homes. Another example is hosting field trips and group tours to spread knowledge and awareness about gardening. They are also working to make the garden more sustainable, including receiving status as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which provides more options for fundraising and applying for grants. Last fall one of the board members applied for grant and got funds from the Keweenaw Community Foundation that funds a pilot program for gardening classes. Currently the gardens have a wait list of 16-20 people, so communicating with the city Houghton to explore possible solutions. Volunteering is always a good way to start learning!
