New Geodesic Greenhouse Unveiled to Combat Food Insecurity

A new 26-foot geodesic dome greenhouse has been constructed in Vallecito, marking a significant step in addressing food insecurity in the region. The initiative, driven by Pine River Shares, a community-focused nonprofit, aims to provide fresh produce to local residents free of charge. The greenhouse will be maintained by volunteers, with the first fruits of their labor expected to support between 20 to 30 people once it becomes operational.

The project’s launch comes shortly after flooding in the area prompted the evacuation of 390 homes. Fortunately, the new greenhouse sustained no damage during this crisis, a testament to its robust construction. “It’s going to help a lot of people up here,” said Chuck Freeman, a volunteer involved in the project. As the community begins to recover, the future of the greenhouse and its role in combating food insecurity remains a priority.

Community Collaboration Fuels Project

The construction site buzzed with energy as a mix of local volunteers and contractors worked together to complete the greenhouse. Freeman noted the project had been in development for over two years, a timeline that reflects the extensive community conversations and planning involved. “I’m imagining all these neighbors – and everybody that has helped – being able to eat and get fresh vegetables out of this instead of traveling 30 to 40 minutes to the store,” he added.

Food insecurity is a pressing issue in La Plata County, where approximately 20% of residents rely on only two meals a day. Many of those affected reside in the Pine River Valley, where lower incomes and rising grocery prices make access to fresh food increasingly difficult. Freeman highlighted that some locally produced food is often exported to wealthier areas, exacerbating the challenges faced by local residents.

The project gained momentum after Pine River Shares received $390,000 in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act through La Plata County to support its Field-to-Fork program. “That’s kind of when this all started,” said Andrew Trujillo, a Bayfield-based farmer and volunteer. The idea evolved through community visits and discussions over the past three years, ultimately leading to the decision to build the greenhouse.

Flexible Future for the Greenhouse

The greenhouse is strategically located on land owned by local resident Terry Shear, who generously offered his space for the initiative. “I like people. I like teaching folks, and I had the space – so why not?” he said, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that fueled the project. Despite the challenges of navigating bureaucratic processes and differing opinions during planning meetings, the volunteers found common ground when working together on-site.

Construction was expedited through the collective effort of the volunteers. Normally, contractor Austin Willis would require about 32 hours to build a geodesic dome, but with over ten volunteers assisting, the project was completed in just 19 hours. “We’ve had a really amazing team of volunteers,” Willis remarked. “They just flew right through it.”

Now that the greenhouse is operational, discussions are underway regarding its future use. While the specific crops to be grown are yet to be finalized, tomatoes and cucumbers are strong contenders for the year-round garden. Plans for raised planter beds and an outdoor garden plot for summer growing are also being considered, catering to the needs of the community, particularly older volunteers.

Freeman acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the greenhouse’s next steps. “We never thought that we were going to get this thing done,” he said. “Now that we’re here, we can start sitting down and deciding, ‘OK, what exactly do we want to do?’” The excitement surrounding the project reflects a broader vision of creating a sustainable food system in the Pine River Valley, ensuring that healthy food remains accessible to community members.

As the project continues to develop, the collaborative spirit of the Vallecito community stands as a beacon of hope in the fight against food insecurity, demonstrating the power of collective action and shared goals.