CHICO — The Chico Peace and Justice Center’s garden is back open for cultivating spring crops, and organizers invited the public to garden together Friday afternoon.
People were invited to lend a hand in the community garden, located behind the center on Broadway Street, and prepare for spring gardening. Although a chilly afternoon and approaching sunset prevented planting, the group who arrived were able to begin raking leaves, clearing dirt and weeding.
Max Hollingsworth has volunteered at the center for over two years, starting with fixing tech and computers and helping in the garden.
“As it’s been neglected for a few years, and it’s wintertime, we’re just cleaning up, killing the compost, raking up leaves, finding any trash … we plan to do some planting in the spring,” Hollingsworth said.
Tomatoes, squash and watermelons are being considered for growing in the garden, which is open to the community to help cultivate.
Part of the center’s history is having been a community gathering place, and in addition some of Chico’s first legal gay marriages historically took place in the garden beginning in 2008, Hollingsworth said.
“It’s mostly a community garden thing, but of course, anything within the Chico Peace and Justice Center, we want to be inclusive of all,” he said.
The garden is open to anyone who would like to offer their time to help weed, rake or plant. Hollingsworth said the center is normally open for the garden on Fridays but people are encouraged to check the center’s website and Facebook page for hours and meeting times.
The Chico Peace and Justice Center is located at 526 Broadway St.