Royal Oak Community Farm: From An Empty Lot To A CSA

A new community farm is coming…to Royal Oak, Michigan.

The Royal Oak School District will be donating the usage of  underdeveloped land to create a new  community garden. The new garden will be created on the grounds of where the former Lincoln Elementary School once stood.

Vegetables and herbs will be grown using organic practices, and flowers will be planted along the south side of the property for beautification purposes.

The Royal Oak Business Association is partnering together with Michigan State University Extension, Oakland 4-H, and the Royal Oak School District to provide students with the opportunity to join MSU- 4-H sponsored groups and to be mentored in agriculture and business.

The Royal Oak Community Farm will provide significant benefits to students and schools, businesses, individual citizens, and the community as a whole, not only by utilizing underdeveloped property, but by offering students exposure to the educational experiences of farming, and providing the community with access to locally grown foods.

The Royal Oak Business Association will manage the farm’s operations. In addition, the association and participating members will offer business and entrepreneurial mentoring to students.

Crops will be sold at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, to local sponsoring businesses, and through CSA shares.

Farm profits will go to the support of the Royal Oak Foundation For Public Education.

Opportunities to volunteer for this community project are being accepted in the following areas:

Fundraising and Marketing: Branding, Fundraising Committee,Working together with the Royal Oak PTA

Educational Programs: Work with MSU Extension Oakland 4-H (MSU 4-H)

Core Farming: Help to plan and plant the community farm flower garden

To volunteer, or if you’d like more information contact : David Baldwin (248) 798-3460 or email him at: david.baldwin@royaloakbusinness.com