2024 Garden Volunteer - Sunalta Community Programs

Here in Sunalta we love to garden! We currently have 3 spaces that provide our residents the opportunity to build community while getting some fresh air and getting their hands dirty! Our gardening season runs from April - October and has ample opportunities to get out of the house and help support our green spaces. 

*COLLECTIVE GARDENING*
Every other Tuesday starting from April 16th we host a collective gardening program at our communal garden beds! This is a free, drop-in program led by Janet Melrose and requires no registration or experience. Janet Melrose leads us through prepping the beds, planting the seeds, weeding, and sustainably harvesting produce. Anyone present on harvesting days are more than welcome to participate in the harvest and take an equal share of produce home. 

We need people to volunteer to water the garden on the days in between programs. These people would be dedicated community members, who are able to work without supervision. These shifts are flexible and are scheduled every other day. 
We list them as morning shifts, but the timing can be adjusted based on your needs. 


*WILDFLOWER GARDEN*
The Sunalta Wildflower Garden is certified by the Canadian Wildlife Federation as a Wildlife-Friendly Habitat. It is home to a wide variety of native-to-Alberta pollinator plants!  

This space was originally donated to the Sunalta Community in 1992. Since then, decades of volunteers who are passionate about protecting inner-city greenspaces have cared for and maintained it. We need more dedicated volunteers to carry on the important work of weeding, watering, and nurturing one of the most beloved spots in Sunalta.  It takes a lot of helping hands to sustain the garden during the warmer months. Your presence and maintenance of the space not only helps keep the garden beautiful, but helps keep Sunalta safe and welcoming for all!

This shift is for people who appreciate the outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and learning more about native flowers and invasive plants, all while connecting with community in a welcoming environment. Every shift is led by a community member with ample garden knowledge who will help direct you on the best way to tend to the garden. No prior knowledge is required, we will help you learn what plants to keep, and which to pull. 

Shift times: Every Wednesday starting May 22nd from 4:00PM - 6:00PM. Location: Sunalta Wildflower Garden (1310 16 St SW)

To learn more about our gardening programs, email grace@sunalta.net or visit www.sunalta.net/gardeningprograms

*GARDENING WORKSHOPS*
Approximately, once a month, we bring back our horticultural expert, Janet Melrose, to lead an educational workshop on various gardening topics. We are looking for a couple of volunteers to help with the set up and clean up of this event. These shifts are short but active. Individuals who volunteer to support this program will also be required to stay throughout the duration of the workshop (and get to take some plants home afterwards!)
These workshops occur from 7:00PM-9:00PM. Volunteers should be prepared to come at least 30min before workshops and stay until at least 30min after. 

FAQS
Q: How long does it take to water the communal garden beds?
A: It typically takes approximately 1 hour to water all of the communal garden beds

Q: What kind of commitment is required for a role like this?
A: We ask that Garden Volunteers sign up for at least one shift per month. 

Q: Do I need gardening skills or experience to become a volunteer?
A: No! We encourage people new to gardening, interesting in learning more about caring for plants to volunteer. We have access to many knowledgable folks who can help educate you on various plant-related topics

The Sunalta Community Association is committed to building an inclusive and diverse organization. We encourage people of all visible minorities, including Indigenous applicants, and those of any religion, sex, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to apply. 
Please reach out to grace@sunalta.net directly if you have any questions or concerns or to arrange for alternate accommodations.