Collaborating for Community Impact

By Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association

For two Saturdays in January, the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association (ECWA) gathered with the Bragtown Community Association (BCA) to construct grape arbors at the Fresh Harvest Community Garden in the Bragtown neighborhood. The mornings were sunny and crisp as the volunteers worked hard to transplant the grape plants that were planted by Riverside High School students a couple of years ago. Once the plants were moved, volunteers constructed an arbor structure that will support the grapevines as they grow. Volunteers also pruned the plants, which is best done in winter months, to help spur their growth and lead to a late summer bountiful harvest.

ECWA staff and volunteers worked closely with Vannessa Evans, BCA president, to plan and lead the workdays. Vannessa provided a welcoming environment to volunteers by providing refreshments, offering onsite guidance, and sharing stories about the Fresh Harvest Garden and the community's history. Vannessa also shared her experience growing up on Jeffries Road in Durham, which is near an ECWA grape arbor.  

This work has been supported by Southern Conservation Partners (SCP), which provided funding to ECWA to engage with Black individuals and Black-led groups and community organizations to restore grape arbors.