Potawot Update October 2013
The green Houses
As it stands the 42,000-square-foot health facility located on a 40-acre site next to Mad River Hospital in Arcata, California has undergone additional developments. This page specifically gives updates that summarize findings it's local community garden. Specially, the community garden has provided two additional greenhouses, these were constructed within spring 2013/summer 2013. The materials that compose the green houses are from recycled scraps of wood for structural design and old fans to level humidity levels.
Staging Area
An additional engineering project area has been planted adjacent to the main Potawot Community Garden barn house. This area is used for construction, staging, and design features that are projected to be implemented in regards to future projects that carry passed FY 2012/14.
Overflow Pumps and Pipes
In terms of design, for storm weather overflow and water catchmentthe garden has implemented an additional water pump that alleviates flooding from the garden and displaces water into one of four treatment ponds. There are also numerous pipes that redirect water for catchment and prevents flooding near walking paths.
Clearance
An additional ten feet of clearance has been cleared around the main garden perimeter which now gives a total clearance of 45 ft. The perimeter is built upon a 5% grade and gives more space for solar energy to impact garden photosynthesis processes.
Bird House
In regards to ecological restoration; that keeps within the mission of the Ku’wah-dah-wilth (come back to life) restoration project, an additional bird house has been constructed. This bird house allows migratory birds to have housing and add to the local ecology of the area.
Plots
To prevent soil erosion for the 4 ponds that are external to the community garden there are numerous logs bolted to heavy boulders so that ponds can maintain integrity.As far as produce, two new farming plots have been designed external to the community garden. One plot allows for growth for pumpkins and sun flower seeds which are seasonally grown and harvested during later summer early fall. The other plot was designed for spices and is uniquely engineered to attract pollinators which are generated by horticulture surrounding the garden.
Tree Orchards
The tree orchards which were planted as of early spring of 2013 and provide sixty fruit varieties including apples, peaches, pears, cherries, Asian pears, plums, and figs.
Related Links
- United Indian Health Services Official Webpage
- Potawot Health Village Project Description and Site Plan
- Some photos
- Stormwater Management System
- ▼ Potawot
References
- Images 1-7 provided by Dante Galermino and Giusseppe Raymundo
- Information based on interview with Carol Durfee Area 3 Community Representative by Dante Galermino,Giusseppe Raymundo,and Victor Arredondo