Town Of Arcadia Garden-Louisiana
Contact Person’s name: Jacqueline D. Sampson
Special gratitude goes to the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Community Resources Connections, Inc., for providing the grant to establish the Town of Arcadia Community Garden and to Ms. Peggy Wright for the use of her land and for recognizing the importance of this initiative for the community of Arcadia.
Citizens for a Better Arcadia and the Town of Arcadia have been working diligently to maintain a new initiative – the Town of Arcadia Community Garden. We are thrilled about the progress and collaboration surrounding the Town of Arcadia’s Community Garden, an initiative designed to bring students and our community together to cultivate growth, health, and connection.
Mayor O’Landis Millican, and Council Members, Edwin Mason, Clyde Morgan and Devry Smith lend a helping hand to spruce up the space by weed eating, moving raised beds and planting cool season crops such as mustard greens, kale, turnips and carrots. The mustard greens and kale are expected to mature in approximately 40 to 60 days while the turnips and carrots take around 50 to 70 days.
Approximately 50 people from the community have been fed from the garden thus far.
Citizens for a Better Arcadia and the Town of Arcadia met with the 4-H and the LSU AgCenter to create a plan that enhanced access for everyone. Three successful community events were held in 2024:
March 22: Family Day – This was the Garden Preparation and Planting Kickoff, which laid the groundwork for something beautiful in the community.
April 21: Community Planting Day – It was time to plant and bring the garden to life.
May 31: Family Day – This day focused on physical activity and hydration, promoting health for all.
During the fall, beautiful rose bushes were planted which not only added beauty but also attracted beneficial insects like bees, which help pollinate the garden. A community garden favorite is collard greens and they were planted along with Jack-o-Lantern Pumpkin seeds.
With continued support and dedication from the community, The Town of Arcadia Community Garden is
on its way to cultivating a space where learning, health, and community thrives.A huge thank you is extended to amazing partners such as: Mark Wilson, Area ANR Horticultural Agent (Bossier, Caddo); John Monzingo, ANR Horticultural Agent (Webster, Claiborne); Kyleigh Bass, ANR Horticultural Agent (Bienville, Lincoln); Madi Horn, Nutrition and Community Health Agent (Bienville, Lincoln); and Megan Martin, Bienville Parish 4-H Agent.
