February 2017 Newsletter




		Upcoming Events: Milwaukee Farmers Union Groundwork and Outpost will be hosting a discussion about the Milwaukee Farmers Union - an emerging cooperative for urban farmers - at the Riverwest Public House this Sunday from 5 - 6:30. The Riverwest Public House is located at 815 E Locust Street. For more information about the event or the Milwaukee Farmers Union contact: nick@groundworkmke.org Planting Seeds - A FARMumentary Join Groundwork MKE for the premier of Planting Seeds – a FARMumentary (documentary-short) about our Young Farmers at Urban Harvest Brewery Friday March 10^th from 7-8. Following the film there will be a Q&A with program manager – Nick DeMarsh and film maker – John Flaig. Stay after for socializing and to enjoy the wonderful new brews created by Urban Harvest. Groundwork is working towards screenings the film throughout Milwaukee and is still looking for a few more venues. Want to host a screening - Contact Matt@groundworkmke.org for more information.

		Did you see your shadow on Feb. 2nd? Despite the fact that the groundhog, Phil, saw his shadow on February 2^nd which would typically mean six more weeks of winter, there are already signs that spring is right around the corner. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are unseasonably warm and the scent of spring is in the air. Is your garden ready? Tips for preparing your garden for spring: Order bulbs and seeds: Plan and order your seeds and bulbs now in preparation for the spring. Plants like Lilies and rhubarb can be planted in early spring for a colorful summer display. Clean up garden beds: Tidy up and remove leaves and other debris from garden bed and cut back old dead growth. Fix fences, gates, trellis: The dry period of winter is the ideal time to fix broken wooden structures or repair any garden fixtures. This will give you extra time in the spring to focus on gardening. Clean up composting area: Tidy up your composting area early will provide you with a space to put your garden waste to create beneficial rich compost for your garden. Turn you pile and remove any large unwanted material or debris.

Groundhogs Day Event! Did you miss it? This years annual Groundhogs Day Event was held on Saturday February 4th from 10:00-1:00 at the Menomonee Valley Urban Ecology Center (3700 W Pierce St. Milwaukee WI 53215). Groundwork Milwaukee covered material on how to start a community garden, appling for Community Improvement Plan Grants, completeing garden and hydrant permit agreements. There was also other workshops provided by guest presenters from Kompost Kidz, Milwaukee Public Museum (Global Kitchen), Medical College of Wisconsin (Straw Bale Gardening). If you missed the event Click here to fill out permit application.

Call for Volunteers

With a new year of programming upon us, Groundwork is in need of dedicated volunteers. Whether it’s a one-day event or long-term project, our staff will work with you to find a position that fits your needs and schedule. Our volunteer opportunities change with the seasons, some of the available positions include: building community gardens, mentoring youth, fundraising, event outreach, garden maintenance and administrative support. If volunteering with an organization that makes tangible, positive change interests you, contact our Outreach Coordinator at Matt@groundworkmke.org or fill out our volunteer form found here: http://www.groundworkmke.org/volunteer/

Become a board member.

We have had some exciting and big transitions over the past few months. As we continue our mission of building a better Milwaukee with our community volunteers and partners through dedicated programming in the areas of food, jobs and water, we seek dedicated individuals to help make this possible. If you - or someone you know - is interested please contact our Executive Director, Deneine Powell at deneine@groundworkmke.org.

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"The earth laughs in flowers." - Ralph Waldo Emerson