Region 4 | Weeks 7/4 to 7/18

Week(s) 7/4 to 7/18 Summary

Week 5

Interns of region 4 spent the first few days of the week working from their homes, in Ames. We focused on sorting through information that had been collected the week before, figuring out what information was relevant towards our goals. We analyzed the data from the Worth county fair in order to determine our marketing plan for the county at large, in an attempt to gain more community participation. r

Week 6

Week 6 was a week defined by progress. The final concept for the “Pocket Park” in Hampton, IA was completed. This final concept will be presented using a brochure that will visualize the concept for the greater community. In addition, promotional systems/advertising has been implemented for the Hampton Farmers Market, thanks to the participation of the local Hardee’s restaurant (located adjacent to the market site). As for the Mason city project, the systems in the greenhouse have been set up/tested in order to ensure their working condition.

See below for the progress made in our three projects over the last couple of weeks!

Summer Project Updates

Lincoln Intermediate Greenhouse

Mason city, IA

We will be working with Lincoln Intermediate staff and community to integrate the use of their recently built greenhouse into their classroom curriculum, particularly math and science. Throughout the summer we will: initiate the use of the hydroponics system, develop lesson plans, and create a sustainable growth & maintenance plan for the greenhouse.

Worth County Community Gardens

Northwood, IA

In order to expand the community garden program in Northwood, IA, we researched similar community garden programs that have proved to be successful (such as Clear Lake, IA). In addition, we met with community organizers charged with the oversight of the Mason City Community Gardens. We believe Northwood’s community garden can thrive if we implement advertising and active recruitment.

Peace Park Transformation

Hampton, Ia

The decision on a final design for the Hampton IA downtown park has been decided, and the final renderings have been completed. The donor accepted one of the concepts that was presented, and now we are working to create brochures for the community at large, so they too can visualize what this plot of land will look like in less than a years time. This visualization will not only improve public perception on the project, but also draw out potential ideas/elements that can be included in this project.

Activities and Accomplishments

Our team will be working together on each project to accomplish the objectives and goals. Together we have developed weekly tasks, schedules, and internal deadlines to meet the desired outcomes. These will be updated weekly to reflect our progress.
  • Set up/inspected the hydroponics table
  • Researched lesson plans that are congruent with existing lesson plans
  • Ensured that all greenhouse systems were working properly
  • Came up with a list of feasible lesson plans that will engage kids at the intermediate level.
  • Created a budget document with regards to annual spending that will be needed.
  • Toured the community gardens in Clear Lake, IA (great example of a successful community garden)
  • Toured the community gardens in Mason City
  • Talked with individuals involved with the Master Gardener program
  • Began to identify specific elements from the master gardener program that can be helpful with regards to promotional strategies.
  • Implemented the poster to showcase some of the work Master Gardeners do and learn during their training
  • Agreed on a final design concept that will be presented to the Hampton community at large
  • Discussed budgeting with regards to who will construct the project/when.
  • Began designing a brochure that will be distributed to the community at large, showcasing what the space will look like when completed
  • Discussed engineering concerns that may come up during the construction process.
This is an option for how the greenhouse can be arranged when utilized in the fall. Photos below are from our work day on 6/4/21.

This poster was designed this week to go on the board behind us at the Worth County Fair.
Visualization of final design concept in the empty lot in order to transform the site into useable green space.