By Rhys Baker

This week, the Clay Center Community Garden received its first delivery of materials for raised beds. The garden, located next to the Clay County Health Department building, is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Clay Counts Community Mobilizer Lori Martin talks about the community’s involvement thus far, “It’s truly a community effort.  The Washington Headliners 4-H Club has done a lot of the manual labor. We’re grateful to the folks at the Sod Father who are donating their services and the use of their equipment. Folks at the Martin Quarry for donating rock for the project, and the Clay County Conservation District is donating $8,300 worth of materials to build the raised beds.” Clay Counts Coalition member and organizer Nikki Burwell said she hopes to continue growing the garden after the boxes are finished, adding bird baths, a picnic area, and other amenities to make it a place for nature lovers to spend time outside. The coalition also plans to have two Blessing Boxes near the Community Garden.