For the third year running, all Eagle’s Nest staff, faculty and administration left the computers, the phones and all other daily work to hit the ENF gardens.  This is a day we have come to love as it is our chance to help welcome in the new growing season, chat with our work friends and get lots of much needed physical labor accomplished.  This year we were under the direction of our new Garden Manager Ryan Houghton.

Ryan checks on the onions

Our day started with hearing Ryan’s vision for where he wants to see our garden program go and touring all that he has done since beginning in late February.  We were all very impressed by the breadth of knowledge Ryan has for creating a productive and healthy garden.  I can tell it is going to be a great year for lots of garden to table at Eagle’s Nest.

The high tunnel is filled with greens

Following the tour we divided into work groups, doned our work gloves and set to work.  Some spent time in the High Tunnel and harvested pounds and pounds of salad greens, some helped to move 5 yards of compost, some transplanted 100’s of strawberry plants, while some made some updates to the Garden Cottage.  Our OA students were on the lake learning paddling strokes for their upcoming river trip and their giggles and splashes were music to our ears as we worked away.

Meredith and Melissa harvest pounds of yummy greens

I can’t wait for all our campers to taste the delicious veggies that are coming from the garden and have the opportunity to spend some time helping out in this beautiful space.  It won’t be long now!