Background
The Jefferson Project is an amazing example of hope. The Jefferson Center used to be the old Jefferson Elementary School, but it has become into a safe haven for the community, young and old, in Eureka, California, thanks to the community volunteers from their Westside Community Improvement Association (WCIA). Our project is located on 1000 B Street. In this semester's project, Spring 2017 (January to May), the collaboration between Heidi Benzonelli-Burden, Lost Foods, Bill Rodstrom and Pete Haggard of Native Plant Society, Lonny Graman, and Humboldt State University's Engineering 305 Appropriate Technology students: Richard M., Winessa N., Katelyn P., and Kathrine S. We are this project’s "Build and Educate Team" and will help with "Jefferson Native Park Design."
In this project, we will not only design a space with native plants, but we will also help create and build it before spring. Furthermore, we will also work on signage, curriculum, and outreach for the remainder of the semester. We were planning on putting a drip irrigation system; however, according to Benzonelli, there is typically no irrigation used for native plants,” and “the drainage that is presently in place is to control run off and maintain it all on site.” Throughout the semester, we will learn more about the project and do research on creating a space that will not only reduce the use of water, but also cultivate a place that embraces sustainability, community, and teamwork.
Problem statement
The objective of this project is to build, grow, and cultivate a space with native plants to reduce the use of water, create signage to help guide community members and visitors, and outreach to educate and unite the people in Eureka and other parts of Humboldt County. We hope to make a place that is inviting, educational, and fun for all people who will visit the Jefferson Center and be part of something that will continue to grow for future generations.