SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Catskill Mountainkeeper and partnering organizations Cornell Cooperative Extension, Center for Workforce Development, Green Village Initiative and Sullivan Renaissance have launched a project called “Catskill Edible Garden Project – Growing the Next Generation of Food Entrepreneurs.”

It involves working with area schools and educational institutions to install and maintain edible gardens, and will seek to provide resources to assist in the development and implementation of garden and food-based curricula integration. It includes a youth employment component.

“The Catskill Edible Garden Project will offer the opportunity for a hands-on youth development experience and exposure to food and agriculture as important aspects of our culture and community, and potential career opportunities,” said Emily Deans of Catskill Mountainkeeper.

During May, the construction and installation of three gardens will begin; two are located at schools: Roscoe Central School and the Sullivan West campus in Jeffersonville ; a third will be at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Liberty. The Cornell garden will promote the CCE “Eat Smart New York” program.

There will be a build day at the Sullivan West Jeffersonville Campus on May 19 starting at 8 a.m. and at the Roscoe Central School on May 22 at 1 p.m. Community volunteers are welcome to participate.