Why is ECI holding a fall fundraising campaign?
For 10 years ECI’s volunteers have nurtured and expanded the gardens, bee hives and the composting program at St. Joseph’s Villa. Like any home, upkeep is essential. Irrigation, soil, bed construction, trellising, composting, new plantings, bee hives and greenhouse are all interconnected and need to be supported and maintained to insure the overall system’s good health.
Volunteers do all the work and more hands (and backs and shoulders) are always welcome and needed. So too are materials and technology and tools and occasionally, specialized expert advice.
The funds we raise will enable ECI to improve on all fronts:
· Bigger, healthier harvests through professional soil analysis and amendment
· Winter growing and learning
· Increased greenhouse production
· Pursue grant applications to support further growth
· Expansion of the composting program
· Maintaining healthier bees, possibly adding more hives
· More community outreach in Hampton Bays to promote:
. Environmental sustainability
. Native plantings
. The ecology and symbiotic relationship of our land and waters
. Engage the next generation of volunteers
. Update ECI’s website and social media to better communicate efforts and events
. Broaden our connections with like minded organizations as we have with Shinnecock Nation Kelp Farmers, Slow Food East End and ReWild Long Island
ECI’s growth is not for its own sake. We’re not a business. But we mean business and we’re here to serve a vital purpose. Our mission is to support environmental sustainability through information and experience in and around Hampton Bays. The work at ECI is time consuming, constant and physically demanding, so the ability to bring in experienced and expert help at key points in the growing season will keep ECI more productive and improve overall garden health.
We hope that this welcoming event leads to broader community involvement for ECI, giving us the privilege and opportunity to achieve more, invigorate our dedicated team of volunteers and engage the support of new members through donations and volunteering, whether in the gardens or professionally, based on your expertise.
This gathering marks the start of the post-harvest season for ECI. We have a long list of tasks and a lot of ideas to explore and act on. We hope to co-sponsor or take part in more East End events, such as speaking engagements and possibly film screenings on relevant topics, all open to the Hampton Bays community.
Along with the Hampton Bays Fire Department, ECI will again co-sponsor the Good Ground Holiday Gift Fair on December 7th.
We’re planning a Spring event and raffle relevant to a new sowing season.
Join us on October 18th at Cowfish. Make a contribution, take chances, meet your neighbors, and have a good time.
Saturday, October 18th | 3:00 - 6:30 pm
📍Cowfish Restaurant, Hampton Bays
FREE ADMISSION to Photo Exhibit and Raffle
Buy Tickets at Event for
Unique, Valuable Items & Fun Experiences...
PLAN to STAY for DINNER!
🎟️ Dinner Tickets: $100 per person
Delicious Local Fare with Beer and Wine on the Bay
