The Giving Garden at the Nature and Heritage Center at Coogan Farm received a major boost in early June, as both a financial sponsor and a gardening sponsor were officially brought on board.

From left, Becky Noreen of Stonington, Diana Hunt of North Stonington, Maryrose Conklyn of Niantic, Anne Pierson of Gales Ferry, Mary Ann Ricker of North Stonington and Russell Towne of Groton are all part of the group that will be tending the first plot of The Giving Garden.
From left, Becky Noreen of Stonington, Diana Hunt of North Stonington, Maryrose Conklyn of Niantic, Anne Pierson of Gales Ferry, Mary Ann Ricker of North Stonington and Russell Towne of Groton are all part of the group that will be tending the first plot of The Giving Garden.

The Giving Garden is a collaboration among the Nature Center, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the Robert G. Youngs Family Foundation that will bring fresh food to thousands of hungry residents of New London County daily.

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The first bed in what will eventually be a two-acre garden at the Nature and Heritage Center at Coogan Farm is being worked on by a group of volunteers. In early June, the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation of New London agreed to sign on to tend the plot.

Ultimately, The Giving Garden will grow produce for donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way Labor Food Center, which distributes food to 63 programs that serve 91 feeding sites across New London County. Local horticulturalist Ian Cooke of Mystic has been hired to run the project.

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