Groups partner to offer adaptive gardening workshop

Metro Wire Staff

Several nonprofit organizations have come together to offer a special gardening event for people of all abilities.

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County, Central Rivers Farmshed, and Midstate Independent Living Choices (MILC) have partnered to sponsor a gardening panel and workshop at the Lincoln Center on April 18.

This event is for anyone who has experienced a change in their ability to garden, due to age, ability, or other reasons. The workshop will provide ways to garden at all stages of life and ability.

It’s the first event of its kind in the area, according to Kate Giblin, senior center manager at the ADRC.

“Many people who experience a physical change due to aging, injury, or illness, are not sure if they can continue to do things like gardening, hunting, fishing, or even traveling,” Giblin said in a press release. “We want to answer that with a loud ‘Yes, you can.’”

Giblin said the ADRC also plans to host events related to adaptive fishing, hunting, and travel throughout the year.

WAOW News 9 Chief Meteorologist Justin Loew will moderate a panel of experts as they discuss container gardening, adaptive tips, tools, and safety. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by a tour of Central Rivers Farmshed at 1 p.m., where participants will get some hands-on experience with some potting activities.

The event is open to anyone with a disability, older adults, and caregivers. Registration is required by April 14 by calling 715-346-1401 or toll-free, 866-920-2525.

The suggested donation for lunch is $4 for individuals 60 or older. For adults under 60, the cost of the meal is $8.25.

The workshop will be held on Monday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St. in Stevens Point. The tour at Farmshed will be at 1220 Briggs Ct.