Community greenhouse starting in Manistique

MANISTIQUE - The Sault Tribe Strategic Alliance for Health (SAH), in conjunction with the Manistique branch of the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, are working to bring a community greenhouse to Manistique. The effort, which is being referred to as the Greenhouse Project, will be similar to the Hoop House recently completed at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

The greenhouse will be located at the Tribal Health Center on U.S. 2 and consist of a variety of plots which will be available as rental spots for Manistique residents. Once purchased, residents will be able to commence planting in March - extending the overall growing season that is usually restricted by the unpredictable Upper Peninsula weather.

"This is a very exciting project that is being headed up by the Sault Tribe," said Michelle Syers, PA II at the MSU Extension. "The hope for this greenhouse at this point is to be able to start your garden earlier in the season, so in effect extending the growing season up here."

Syers points out that, currently, the project is still in the initial planning stages, but there are some aspects that have been decided on. "This greenhouse will be open to the public and plots will be rented," said Syers. "Each individual is responsible for their own plot."

According to Syers, the recent hike in food prices, the current economic situation, and the importance of supporting the local economy, makes projects like the community greenhouse a logical improvement. "It is more important now than ever to get people interested in growing some of their own foods," said Syers. "It has been estimated that the produce that we buy from the grocery store travels an average of 1,200 miles."

Along with the plot rentals, MSU Extension will also be offering educational opportunities for those new to the growing process. "Some of the topics being discussed for education are gardening, home canning and food preservation, basic nutrition and cooking and home horticulture," notes Syers. "I, as well as the others on this committee (SAH committee) are very excited."

For more information on the Greenhouse Project, contact Michelle Syers at 341-3688.