Program areas at Crown Point Ecology Center
Highlights of fiscal year october 1, 2020, through september 30, 2021 Crown Point Ecology Center over 3,700 pounds of produce representing 3,100 meals were donated to the akron/canton regional food bank and other local agencies supporting food insecure populations. Nine beginning farm interns (both full time and part time) supported farming operations through the internship program. Interns participated in seeding, planting, harvesting, preparing produce shares, and farm market set up. Sustainable farming practices, local farm visits and organic certification record keeping were taught. The community supported agriculture (csa) program continued to be popular with all 115 shares sold out march 2021 along with a waiting list. The 30 winter shares also sold out. Shareholders enjoyed picking their own peas, green beans, cherry tomatoes, raspberries and blackberries. A grant from the dominican sisters of peace enabled Crown Point to create and distribute over 200 vegetable growing containers which included seeds, soil and instructions to five local organizations supporting those experiencing food and economic insecurity. The 17th annual certified organic plant sale enabled customers to place their orders online utilizing curbside pick-up. Thousands of plants were sold after which more than 2,600 organic plants were donated to 17 community gardens and agencies for distribution to gardeners to help reduce hunger in our community. Crown Point's summer farm and science camp returned after being canceled in 2020 and welcomed 54 children from the greater akron community. Crown Point's curriculum partner, the lippman school, brought new components to camp including special guests - the shoulderblade family from the northern cheyenne nation in Montana. Campers learned traditional northern cheyenne stories, games, music and language. The historic Crown Point barn circa 1910, was enjoyed by 17 wedding couples and their guests. The historic barn and property provide the perfect setting for photos documenting a special occasion. New this year, tai chi outdoor wellness classes were offered this summer along with our popular outdoor yoga class. A series of virtual wellness classes focused on self-care, health and wellbeing were held in the spring virtually during a time when patrons preferred not to gather in person. The 23rd annual taste of earth dinner/gala returned to the property this year. Nearly 250 guests enjoyed sipping cocktails, bidding on auction items and dining on the four-course dinner in a tent on the lawn. The theme, "an evening in tuscany" was beautifully planned and executed by a talented volunteer committee. Other fundraising events included a music venue, valentines dinner and wine-food pairing dinner. Over 100 individual and group volunteers supported fundraising efforts, grounds maintenance, the children's garden, the produce donation garden, perennial gardens along with farm operations over the course of the year.