Nisqually Community Garden works toward Tribal self-sufficiency and overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. We grow traditional plants, vegetables, berries, and fruit trees. All produce is distributed directly to Nisqually tribal members & community. We also host classes, provide job training services to tribal members through the Tribe and SPIPA, preserve food & medicines, put on annual events, and work closely with many tribal departments. Our services are offered to Tribal and community members.
Services/Program Available:
- Weekly Garden Stand (June-October)
- Weekly Elders Box Program
- Elders Garden Bed Program
- Weekly Elders Center Delivery (for elders only)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Body care products
- Preserved and dried produce
- Natural Medicine and Teas
- Garden tours & youth field trips
- Volunteer opportunities
- On-the-job training
- Garden Consultation
- Annual harvest party
- Teach classes on and off campus
Workshops Offered:
- Medicine Making
- Making body care products
- Gardening tips
History:
The Nisqually Tribe has a long history of Community Gardens, dating back at least to the 1970s. The current Nisqually Community Garden at the Culture Center began in 2009 on 410 acres of farmland at the mouth of the Nisqually River that was purchased by the Tribe in 1998. Hundreds of acres of this farmland were restored to estuary after being dammed for about 100 years in order to make it farmable. The Nisqually Tribe Department of Natural Resources removed the dams and planted thousands of native plants, re-storing this critical salmon habitat. The Community Garden sits on about 70 acres of uplands overlooking this restored estuary.
Community Garden Staff:
Chantay Anderson, Project Supervisor
(360) 456-5221 extension 1165; anderson.chantay@nisqually-nsn.gov
Elsa Haun, Production Supervisor
(360) 456-5221 extension 1165; haun.elsa@nisqually-nsn.gov
Grace Ann Byrd, Field Technician II
(360) 456-5221 extension 1165; byrd.graceann@nisqually-nsn.gov
Sophia Hipp, Field Technician I
(360) 456-5221 extension 1165; hipp.sophia@nisqually-nsn.gov
Vacant, Field Technician II
The Nisqually Garden Stand will begin summer operations from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday (except as announced) beginning June through October on the north (back side) of the Nisqually Administration Building.
IMPORTANT: Please bring your own bag for veggies! DONATIONS NEEDED!
Download a Garden harvest schedule, view deliveries and provide feedback...
View our upcoming Garden events and classes...
See 2015 Garden events and classes photos.
View more Garden photos and videos...
Roasted Garlic Scapes
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Garlic and Fish Sauce
Building Healthy Soil...read this helpful tip by clicking here.
Downloadable Flyers (Require Adobe Reader, click here
to download it for free)
10 Years of the Nisqually Community Garden Article from Newsletter
Nisqually Traditional Food & Medicine Garden
Nisqually Garden Info Brochure
Nisqually Food Sovereignty Assessment
Appendix 1 Directory of Food Services at Nisqually Indian Tribe
Appendix 2 Food Sovereignty Survey
Appendix 3. She Nah Nam Seafood Product List