Chard Your Yard volunteers to install 24 gardens on May 14

Transition Longfellow provides sustainability activities and education for people in greater Longfellow and throughout the Twin Cities. Anyone can participate; everyone is welcome. For more information about the group and its activities, visit www.transitionlongfellow.org.

Chard Your Yard

Transition Longfellow helps neighbors get started growing food with its Chard Your Yard program. Using a “garden mob” of neighborhood volunteers, the group installs 3’ x 5’ raised bed gardens in people’s yards, at cost, and builds community along the way. This year the group will be installing 24 gardens.

Photo left: a photo from the Transition Longfellow website from Chard Your Yard 2015.

The Chard Your Yard garden installation day is May 14. Volunteers will meet at 4324 40th Ave. S., at 8am, for a shared breakfast before heading out into the neighborhood in teams. After the build, everyone will share a meal. Volunteers are still needed and welcome! You can sign up at the group’s website: www.transitionlongfellow.org/#!chard-your-yard/cx92.

Getting Your Garden Ready for Planting is discussed on First Saturday (May 7), 10:30am-noon at the Riverview Wine Bar, 3747 42nd Ave. S. (enter through the coffee shop). Got a garden question? The first Saturday of every month is when you can find answers from a master gardener. This month Hennepin County master gardener Theresa Rooney will advise on steps to take to get your yard and garden ready for the new growing season. The event is free.

Learn to Knit on the first Tuesday of the month (May 3), 6:30pm at Lake Coffee House, 3223 E. Lake St. New and experienced knitters gather to learn and practice knitting. Led by experienced knitter Susan Aguirre. Bring needles and yarn. Free.

Inner Transition Discussion Group meets the second Monday, May 8, 7pm at 2852 35th Ave. S.  There will be a group discussion of Carolyn Baker’s book “Navigating the Coming Chaos: A Handbook for Inner Transition,” exploring the emotional journey that will accompany a changing climate and a changing society. Facilitated by Deb Schanilec. Free.

Transition Movie Night and Potluck will be held on the third Friday of the month (May 20) at Bethany Lutheran, 3901 36th Ave. S. This month’s feature is “Do The Math Tour: A Movie to Spark a Movement.”  The math is simple. To avoid climate catastrophe, we need to limit carbon emissions to 350 parts per million. We’re now at 400 parts per million—and climbing. Do The Math follows environmental activist and founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben, as he tours 21 cities and breaks down the facts while also showing the power of a global movement rising up to meet the challenge. Representatives from MN350.org will share information about what’s happening in Minnesota. Come for the potluck at 6:30pm (vegetarian options always available) or for the presentation and Q&A at 7:15pm. Free will donation.

Watch website for details

Every month, Transition Longfellow organizes a social outing. On April 24, at 6:30pm, the group hosted a free family game night at Bethany Lutheran Church. Watch the website for info on the May outing.