Citizens in the Brewton area have access to a space focused on growing their own vegetables — thanks to grant funds awarded by the Gulf Coast Resource and Concervation Council.

The $17,023 grant was awarded to the Escambia County Alabama Cooperative Extension Service to be used to construct and develop a community garden on the grounds of the Brewton Area YMCA on Belleville Avenue.
Ken Kelley, Escambia County Extension Coordinator, accepted the check on behalf of the Extension Service.
“The extension service believes in demonstrations to teach,” Kelley said. “We hope that the garden here at the Y will encourage someone else on the idea of building a raised garden. It is relative inexpensive and anyone can do it. There are many vegetables that can be raised in these raised gardens. It can be a great learning experience for youngsters when they learn how to grow their own food.”
Educational activities have consisted of a field day to demonstrate the construction of raised bed gardens on the grounds of the YMCA. They also installed drip irrigation and landscape design of a community garden. There will be demonstration help throughout the year to educate citizens on planting and harvesting the crops planted there. The grant money also was used to provide facility upgrades, such as picnic tables, benches, and a tool shed, which will be used to store supplies and equipment.
Members of the Gulf Coast RC&D, Raymond Wiggins and Wanda Robbins, were at the ceremony along with Ken Kelly, Escambia County Extension Coordinator. Senator Mark Keahey and Rep. Alan Baker were also on hand for the presentation.