Dec'06, easement was placed over an 82-acre property on Palmer Ranch by its owners, Hugh and Eliza Culverhouse. July'10 County Commissioners approved a park and garden on this lovely land. Sept'10 We began to accept application fees for plots in the new community garden, formed task groups to solve various problems, and promoted the garden in the media. Jul'11 Commissioners formally accepted the d
onation of 82 acres to be known as Culverhouse Nature Park
Sep'11 Deed was legally transferred to Sarasota County
Feb'12 We began putting in the infrastructure: the fence, the shed, the paths. Apr'12 Solar panels were placed on the shed roof to collect solar energy to successfully raise water from the well. We have water!! May & June'12 With great effort, we installed an entire web of irrigation pipes under the paths to deliver water to 28 faucets around the garden. Aug'12 Plots were assigned to members, and we continued to mulch paths, pull weeds, plant fruit trees. Nov'12 We were permitted entry to the park every other day for a few hours to plant our first crop of vegetables. We had a marvelous harvest from Jan to June 2013. June'13 Culverhouse Nature Park was officially opened to the public. Now our gardeners can access the community garden anytime they wish, dawn to dusk.
