Covert Township (Van Buren County)
Covert Township (Van Buren County)
Address 33680 M-140 Hwy, Covert, Michigan
(north of VBDL Covert Branch)
A community space for people to learn, educate and grow together.
Mowing and maintenance of the grounds
People of all ages and abilities are welcome to volunteer! No experience necessary! We perform a basic background check for the safety of all volunteers, and require acknowledgement of the Rules and Regulations.
The initial construction phase was completed with the help of public donations, as well as the Covert Community Foundation and Covert Lions Club. Funds are used for educational materials, ongoing repair and maintenance, special programming and future expansion of the garden. Check, money orders and cash donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Township Hall (PO BOX 35, 73943 Lake Street, Covert, MI 49043). Checks can be made payable to Covert Township (Memo: Covert Community Garden).
We will accept new and gently used materials, such as untreated wooden planks and posts, decking screws, garden soil, compost, mulching materials, plants, seeds, cardboard, stakes & trellises, and more! Ask Daywi Cook about drop off locations and what will be accepted.
The Covert Community Garden (CCG) is operated by volunteers and open to the public. CCG requires that all volunteers and visitors read and abide by the following rules and regulations to ensure we continue to grow and benefit the entire community. These rules & regulations to do not supersede any existing local ordinances or laws.
• Any person interested in volunteering must agree to the rules & regulations and sign a waiver form available at the Covert Township Hall.
• A Township Official and a member of the Covert Community Garden Advisory Committee will serve as Garden Managers. The Garden Managers will be appointed by the Township Board and help coordinate volunteers, capital improvements, repairs & maintenance and management of the garden and related programming, as well as other duties as assigned by the Township Board.
• All plants must be approved by a Garden Manager. Garden Managers will use their best judgement and guidance from the Van Buren Conservation district to ensure no invasive, foreign plants are introduced into the garden, and weeds are kept at a minimum. Plants will be chosen based on availability, ability to thrive in seasonal and controlled conditions and theme of the particular garden plot.
• Any development or improvement must be presented to the Covert Community Garden Advisory Committee for recommendation before final approval of the Township Board.
• Donated materials must be approved by a Garden Manager.
• Public plots are maintained by volunteers and should be cared for at least once a week. The public is welcome to harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs for personal consumption. Flowers may only be cut for a specific public use or program approved by the Township Board. Produce may not be sold commercially.
• Composting must be restricted to the designated area and shall not include diseased plants, pet drop-pings (apart from chook manure), cooking fat, meat/bones, glossy paper, weeds with seeds, treated timber and large branches. Materials permitted include fruit and vegetable scraps, used tea, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, grass clippings, green plant cuttings, old flowers, straw, paper and card-board, dry leaves, woody prunings and sawdust (but not from treated wood).
• Children are welcome and encouraged in the garden, however must be accompanied by an adult and must be supervised at all times. Parents are encouraged to bring children to garden and introduce them to the wonders of gardening and healthy eating.
• No dogs or other pets allowed inside the garden.
• Application of pesticides and/or herbicides (weed killers) is prohibited.
• There will be monthly meetings of the Covert Community Garden Advisory Committee. Meeting times and locations will be post at the Covert Township Website and Hall (Coverttwp.com, 73943 Lake Street). All are encouraged to attend.
• The community board and social media is for garden related communication. No personal promotion orsolicitation.
• To the fullest extent permitted by law, visitors and volunteers of the Covert Community Garden shall indemnify, defend and hold Covert Township, and its employees, volunteers and agents harmless, from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees brought as a result of my involvement in the Community Garden and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.
The initial construction phase was completed with the help of public donations, as well as the Covert Community Foundation and Covert Lions Club. Funds are used for educational materials, ongoing repair and maintenance, special programming and future expansion of the garden. Check, money orders and cash donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Township Hall (PO BOX 35, 73943 Lake Street, Covert, MI 49043). Checks can be made payable to Covert Township (Memo: Covert Community Garden).
We will accept new and gently used materials, such as untreated wooden planks and posts, decking screws, garden soil, compost, mulching materials, plants, seeds, cardboard, stakes & trellises, and more! Ask Daywi Cook about drop off locations and what will be accepted.
