Crow Wing County Master Gardeners and Central Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge Monday toured more than 25 raised vegetable garden beds on the Teen Challenge Brainerd campus.
Master Gardeners partnered with Teen Challenge in Brainerd to help them with garden plans and to educate them on producing local foods. Teen Challenge will use much of the produce raised for their meals, but also will give a substantial amount to the food shelves in the Brainerd lakes area.
The gardens were designed by the University of Minnesota College of Design to attract pollinators.
Master Gardeners also helped Teen Challenge apply for a project recipient from the University of Minnesota Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership. This grant will provide Teen Challenge with a connection to the university and funding to design garden beds to attract pollinators.
Master Gardener Ken Leuken, along with other Master Gardeners were active in helping Teen Challenge with the gardens. Leuken's interest and volunteer partnership with Teen Challenge helped make this food endeavor become a reality.
