Last year, two AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers from Stout helped establish Menomonie Community Garden in partnership with students, local businesses, and city/county officials. This year Trevor Peterson, current Stout VISTA representative, has high hopes for the garden. “We have already exceeded our number of plot renters from last season and still have room for more. Our opening day celebration is May 22nd from 1-3pm. We’ll have music, food, and gardening activities for children,” he said. “A community garden is a cornerstone of a healthy neighborhood, and I think Menomonie is ready for more garden sites around town.” The two-acre garden is on Ninth Street, just south of the Phelan Park entrance. Each plot measures 20 by 25 feet and costs $25. There’s also monthly educational work-ins on topics like composting, sustainable soil management, chemical-free pest control, rain barrel construction, and hoop house tutorials. For all the dirt, contact Peterson at 232-1328 or MenomonieCommunityGardens.com.