Salem Volunteers Invited To Launch Plummer Youth Promise Garden Restoration

SALEM, MA — North Shore residents are being invited to help launch a long-term garden restoration project at Plummer Youth Promise during a volunteer cleanup planned for Aug. from 9 a.m. to noon on the nonprofit's Winter Island campus.

A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16.

The event is the first step in restoring the Plummer Youth Promise Garden, a multi-year project aimed at turning the existing space into a place where youth in foster care can grow fresh food, learn sustainable gardening practices, build workforce skills and spend time outdoors.

The organization said the effort also comes as part of Salem's 400th anniversary.

When Caroline Plummer died in 1854, she left more than $23,000 to establish a "farm school of reform for boys." The organization said that vision became the foundation of what is now Plummer Youth Promise, and the new garden effort is meant to reconnect with those agricultural roots.

"With construction completed for our facilities, turning our attention to our grounds is a natural next step in creating a campus that matches our programmatic standards of excellence," said Erin Truex, Director of Development and Communications at Plummer Youth Promise. "Restoring our garden is a wonderful way to honor our history while creating new opportunities for youth to develop confidence, practical skills, and a lasting connection to the environment.

"As Salem reflects on its rich history during its 400th anniversary, we're excited to celebrate our own legacy by investing in the future."

The project is planned for Plummer's 17-acre waterfront campus on Winter Island and is expected to unfold over several growing seasons. Plummer Youth Promise said it is partnering with HomeGrown, a permaculture-certified business, to revitalize the existing garden, improve infrastructure, create growing spaces and eventually establish a permaculture food forest.

"There is no doubt in my mind that creating beautiful, productive, and interesting garden spaces is a catalyst for positive change in our community. Taking inspiration from past projects like the Mack Park Farm, we're excited to create a unique garden site that honors the history of Plummer Youth Promise and builds on their vision of offering unique and exceptional programming," shared Matt Buchanan, a Salem High School educator who will lead this project.

Future phases include expanded raised beds, composting systems, a community gathering space, a food forest, youth internship and employment opportunities, and educational programming.

Community members interested in volunteering Aug. 2 are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, bring work gloves if available and expect to spend several hours clearing overgrown vegetation and preparing the garden for restoration.

Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome and can register here.