ROCK ISLAND, Illinois—
It has been a beautiful day to take in the sun and enjoy the outdoors. And that's what some students and staffers were doing Friday in Rock Island. At Augustana College students staying in the Quad Cities for the summer are maintaining a garden.Weeding is a spring chore for many gardeners, but here in Rock Island they're harvesting. The rows of greens are finally ready for a salad.
Augustana Art Teacher Megan Quinn says, "Today's crop is spinach and chard, onions and radishes and they all look great, really fresh."
With the support of a local farmer, professors and some student know how, Augie Acres had its first on-campus farmers market.
Quinn continues, "I'm just picking spinach and bagging it so people can purchase it."
And anyone can buy it. If you want fresh organically grown food every Friday they're in business.
Augustana Senior and Market Manager, Stephanie Dilling says, "We will take anyone who'd like to help out, who'd like to shop, anybody who wants to come by, look and ask questions."
Stephanie Dilling grew up farming and is helping her peers learn the basics.
"I think a lot of kids when they come to Augustana try and make it their home and this is something that anchors them to the campus. It's a way to provide food for the school and the people that work here."
In the fall, campus cafeterias will use much of the food. But if you're willing to pick it yourself this summer you get a discount. And there will be plenty according to Dilling.
"Spinach and swiss chard this week and probably a few more weeks and then we'll have peas come in and onions, potatoes, tomatoes and some herbs."
The garden and market are located near campus at 6th Avenue and 34 Street it's open 10 am to 1 pm Fridays. Augie Acres would also appreciate any donations of gardening supplies.
To stay up on the garden's progress you can read the Augie Acres blog: http://augieacres.blogspot.com/
