Community and students given an opportunity to help fix up Meetinghouse Farm in Barnstable for renewed usage

Cape Cod Community College may not have a farming-related major – or even a farm on campus – but a working one close by is offering CCCC faculty and staff the opportunity to learn a little more about the profession.

May 13 through 16 from 2 to 6 p.m., the volunteer organization AmeriCorps will work with the Town of Barnstable, Meetinghouse Farm Inc. and community volunteers to repair the farm’s greenhouse, construct a “living classroom,” improve the property and walking trails as well as create a community garden.

“We have had and continue to have a nice working relationship with Cape Cod Community College. That’s why we’re extending an invitation to any students or staff interested in helping out with our latest environmental project at Meetinghouse Farm,” said Greg Powell, program specialist for AmeriCorps Cape Cod.

In 2000 the Town of Barnstable purchased the 23-acre Meetinghouse Farm property as town conservation land. In 2004 a citizens group formed a nonprofi t organization, Meetinghouse Farm Inc., to manage the property and develop its potential for public use and community education.

Without much money to put into the property it has fallen into a state of disrepair.
Now armed with a bit of grant money, Powell said, the volunteers are hoping to fi nally bring the property up to working order.

“What we are hoping for this weekend is to enhance the accessibility and use of Meetinghouse Farm. We want to create a functional greenhouse for community use, a classroom for environmental, horticultural and agricultural education, a trail structure that opens the property up more for the public to use and just expand the exposure and let people see what a beautiful place Meetinghouse Farms is.”

The public is welcome to attend for all or part of the weekend. Projects will include helping to build greenhouse benches and classroom features, paint the farm’s existing structures, help with land improvements and create a community garden.

On May 16, AmeriCorps will hold a demonstration of the opportunities for community education and recreation that Meetinghouse Farm offers, as well as showcase the contributions of other local organizations making a positive throughout Cape Cod.
The afternoon will also include a celebration for volunteers featuring food, live music and family activities in appreciation of all those who helped.

For more information about the Meetinghouse Farm project contact Greg Powell at  greg.powell@rdoac.org.
Meetinghouse Farm is located on Route 149 in West Barnstable.