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Planting Seeds of Hope
Douglas County is literally growing its future at Boundary Waters Park! Recently, volunteers came together to establish a new community orchard as part of the Keep Douglas County Beautiful initiative. This exciting project, in partnership with Food Well Alliance, features crab apple trees, blueberry bushes, and other edible plants that will provide fresh, local food for the community in the years to come. Beyond its agricultural purpose, the orchard also enhances the park’s natural beauty, creating a space where residents can enjoy nature and experience the benefits of sustainable agriculture.
About the Community Orchard
The Boundary Waters Park orchard is more than just a garden — it represents an investment in food security, sustainability, and community engagement. The orchard will:
- Provide Fresh Produce: Deliver locally grown, nutritious food to residents while helping to combat food insecurity.
- Foster Environmental Stewardship: Restore green spaces, support pollinators, and promote sustainability practices.
- Enhance Quality of Life: Create a scenic and educational space for the community to gather and connect with nature.
Thanks to dedicated volunteers and the support of organizations like Food Well Alliance, this orchard is another step toward a healthier, more vibrant Douglas County.
Leadership in Action
In another inspiring initiative, Douglas County hosted Government and Public Safety Day, an integral part of the Leadership Douglas Class of 2025 program. This behind-the-scenes event gave participants deep insight into the vital functions of county departments and the challenges they tackle every day. The program equips future leaders with firsthand knowledge of government and public safety operations while fostering relationships between community stakeholders.
The Leadership Douglas Experience
The Leadership Douglas program is designed to cultivate future leaders who will shape the county’s future. Government and Public Safety Day highlights essential themes:
- Collaboration: Encouraging open communication between leaders, officials, and residents.
- Understanding Public Services: Offering participants a closer look at how departments like police, fire services, and administration work to keep the community safe and thriving.
- Hands-On Leadership: Building practical skills and knowledge that participants can apply to their own community initiatives.
This program emphasizes the importance of strong, informed leadership to ensure Douglas County continues to flourish for generations to come.
Learn More and Get Inspired
Douglas County is setting the stage for a brighter, more connected future through initiatives like the community orchard and the Leadership Douglas program. To learn more about these projects and stay updated on new developments, tune in to “Inside Douglas County” and discover how we’re moving #OneDouglasForwardTogether.