In keeping with Article 39, which passed in 2020 and set forth a vision of Jaffrey as a healthy and sustainable community, we ask that town officials, the Select Board and the Department of Public Works support and encourage our schools, the Recreation Department and the community to collaborate in creating community (food) production gardens and perennial pollinator gardens.
The above warrant article will be voted on by Jaffrey residents March 12 and was submitted with an eye toward addressing the trauma and hardship of these last years. By reimagining outdoor spaces into places that we can gather safely, work together and grow healthy food and pollinator plants, we can take a first step toward healing.
Historically, growing food and pollinator plants is a means to many ends, not least connecting with others with an attitude of abundance and opportunity, and gaining a new appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our natural surroundings. Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. For example, a community food production garden, centrally located in town, could be for those who don’t have the green space available to garden. Pollinator gardens are a platform for educating, creating biodiversity and building our community. And by working across the region with other community gardens, we can create a network that will strengthen us as we face an uncertain future.
From soil health and reconnecting and nurturing nature, to independence, resilience and survival, gardens can be a means to foster a carbon-neutral, resilient economy and promote and protect biodiverse and healthy communities. Of course, it is a process. It can be challenging and complicated. But that’s what life is, isn’t it? Let’s grow some hope by voting for Article 41 at Jaffrey’s March 12 Town Meeting.
Tory McCagg
Jaffrey Climate Initiative, Jaffrey