The transformation of the community of Hedley is becoming more and more apparent as the summer months wear on with several successful green community-building initiatives in full-bloom.
The illegal dumping of garden refuse in wilderness areas has been countered with the construction of several hugelbeets, in-line with the tried and true Austrian model (http://smallfarmcanada.ca/2011/why-not-try-a-hugelbeet-in-your-garden/). In function of these constructions, there is an organized compost area near The arena on the land leased by the Hedley Community Recreation Commission Association (HCRCA). Work parties gather regularly to sort compost and to build their corresponding hugelbeets nearby. The hugelbeets will soon be shared raised garden sites as the decomposition process moves forward.
Not only is the community of Hedley working and growing together on the compost and hugelbeet initiative, but share gardens are appearing everywhere as well. Similar to the English Todmorden example (http://www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk/home), so far Hedley residents are growing edibles at many easy access sites and offering up to be shared what is grown with anyone who lives in the community.
- Lydia Sawicki