Viroqua, WI — November 25, 2025 — Vernon County 4-H has received approval from the Vernon County Board (Conservation and Education Committee) to develop a large green space on the County Farm into a community orchard and perennial garden. This youth-led project will bring together local partners to design, plant, and care for the garden, while also harvesting and sharing its produce.

The orchard will feature fruit trees and perennial vegetables such as asparagus, rhubarb, and sunchokes. Beyond the harvest, the project will provide hands-on opportunities for young people to learn about food systems, explore the challenges of food insecurity, and contribute to solutions that strengthen the county. They will also learn about food preservation, and gain cooking skills along the way.

We are grateful to Cassandra Hanan (Vernon County Administrative Coordinator), Phil Hewitt (Buildings and Maintenance Supervisor), David Hettenbach (County Conservationist), and the Conservation and Education Committee (Will Beitlich, Mary Henry, Frank Easterday, Nathaniel Slack, David Eggen, Carol Hall) who have generously supported this vision and Vernon County 4-H. Excitement is building for what the space will become — a place of growth, learning, and community connection.

We are looking for the community to get involved, too!

Here’s how:

• Contribute financial support or healthy plants/trees to help the project thrive
• Volunteer your time and expertise in gardening or orchard care
• Lead a workshop or lesson to share knowledge with youth and community members

Those interested can sign up through the Vernon County 4-H Google interest form: https://forms.gle/6gSoNG7yxyvw6WY47