SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The City of South Portland Sustainability Department is excited to announce the launch of its 2024 Resilient Yards program. The program provides technical assistance and resources to promote the transformation of South Portland properties into organic, resilient landscapes. The Sustainability Department is seeking volunteers to help implement the program. Volunteer applications may be submitted starting Friday, April 19 until Friday, May 3, 2024. Applications for those who would like to transform their yards will open from Monday, May 6 until May 24, 2024. Applications are available at: www.southportland.gov/resilientyards
Last year, South Portland launched its inaugural Resilient Yards program, and there was resounding interest from the community. Over 430 individuals and businesses applied for 100 slots. The Sustainability Department selected the 100 participants, and provided technical expertise and resources to help them begin to transform their properties into organic landscapes founded on healthy soils. With the help of eight partner organizations and 25 volunteers, the City helped establish 30 new vegetable gardens, sowed nearly 250 native plants, and helped connect community members in South Portland.
This year, the City is partnering with Maine Audubon, Garbage to Garden, Wild Seed Project, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Friends of Casco Bay, and UMaine Cooperative Extension to bring this program forward. The project is supported by several grants.
The Sustainability Department will select an estimated 75 applicants (depending on volunteer capacity) to participate in the program. These Resilient Yards participants will receive volunteer assistance, a resource package, and educational materials to start the new garden. Preliminary site visits will take place in June-July, and installations will occur in August-September.
For more information, visit: www.southportland.gov/resilientyards.
Download full-size photos with captions.
About the City of South Portland
The City of South Portland is a vibrant Southern Maine community of nearly 27,000 residents and over 1,500 businesses located on picturesque Casco Bay. www.southportland.gov
###