Dome structure added to Community Garden to extend growing season

The Thermopolis Red Dirt Master Gardeners (RDMG) have built a new geodesic dome in the Community Garden located on the corner of Arapahoe and C in East Thermopolis. The dome structure was one of six domes provided through a grant obtained by Central Wyoming College (CWC) in Fremont County. RDMG provided all the labor to build the geodesic dome.

RDMG also obtained a grant from Rooted in Wyoming (based in Sheridan) and has applied for an additional grant through the Wyoming Master Gardeners Association to build 9 exterior wall raised beds and one center bed to grow additional items to be sold at the Farmers Market and distributed through the Grow A Little Extra (GALE) program. 

The dome will extend the growing season so RDMG can offer bedding plants and cut flowers to help raise funds for RDMGs outreach programs, and provide additional produce donations to GALE later into the fall. It will also be used educationally to show local gardeners, middle and high school FFA students, and the community at large the benefits of using a geodesic dome.  

In addition to the Community Garden, RDMG also manages the Thermopolis Farmers Market.  

Currently, RDMG is looking for someone to help maintain the Community Garden (mowing, weed eating, watering, planting and maintaining the 6 GALE beds) and to staff the information booth at the Thermopolis Farmers Market Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting in May. That worker will be paid through the AmeriCorps program. 

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for this position, please contact Becky Hutson at 307/480-8297.

If you are interested in becoming a Farmers Market vendor, RDMG invites you to the 2024 Farmers Market Vendor Pre-Market Brunch to be held on Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 642 Arapahoe Street. 

Vendor sign-up will begin, local Health Inspector Jamie George will be speaking about the Wyoming Food Freedom Act and other legislation affecting vendors, and requirements for this year's market will be discussed. Breakfast will be provided.  

If you would like further information about becoming a Farmers Market vendor, please contact Kim Bartlett at (405) 443-7560.