Announcing Mae's Garden Project

Communities across our country need more farmers.

South Carolina is just one example of a national trend. Farmers are retiring or passing away, as up to half of farmland over the last century has been developed. Intensive farming models, highly reliant on chemical herbicides and pesticides, are eroding a way of life that brought us closer to land, plants, animals, and each other. As the price of food rises relentlessly, many are seeing the potential of their backyards, forests, and public lands with new eyes.

So what is there to do about it?

Mae's Garden Project, a grassroots initiative of the Abbeville area, aims to bring people together to learn essential gardening skills, critical lessons about integrating produce and herbs into a healthful diet, and ultimately build friendships and community. Honoring her grandmother and daughter, Mae, Akymia (Kym) is working with our team to build out inaugural events and bring people together. For Kym, this project is about reclaiming ancestral wisdom and helping people connect with their passion as a mother of three.

"My entryway to herbalism began with a need to find a way to treat my son’s chronic illnesses when the doctor told me there was nothing they could do."

The first event for Mae's Garden Project will be hosted on Sunday, April 26th from 3-6pm at 72 Bowie Road, Donalds, South Carolina (Google Map Link). The event will feature the following:

• Community: Ample opportunity to meet neighbors and chat over tasty refreshments

• Presentation: Akymia will teach some hands-on lessons as a farmer, helping people get started this Spring

• Supplies: The event will gift attendees materials to get them started. We also encourage attendees to bring donations, such as a supplies, that they are willing to share or give to others. Donations of supplies or financial gifts are welcome yet not required or expected.

To sign up for reminders for the event, you can add yourself to the google calendar at this link.

Please feel free to drop in and out anytime that works best for you. Kids and families are welcome as well

If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to us at team@baystatersnm.com

Picture credit: A snapshot of Akymia's family land going into the spring.