“Many Hands 4 Light Work” is Cultivating CommUNITY in Petersburg

It’s Time to Rise, Grow, and Build…Together.

Petersburg, the future of our food, our health, and our commUNITY is in OUR hands. “Many Hands 4 Light Work“ is more than just a volunteer opportunity it’s a movemeant, a commitment to show up, learn, and build a stronger food system that serves us all.

Local youth cultivating garden beds in Papa Kelley’s Vegetable Garden at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm

For over five years, “Many Hands 4 Light Work” has been rooted in the power of commUNITY. It started with the Petersburg League of Urban Growers (P.L.U.G.), inspired by the Haitian proverb, ”Many hands make for light work.” This proverb, introduced by Nathaniel X. Graves III, Chief Financial Officer of Petersburg Is Growing Inc. after his time doing work in Haiti, carries a deep truth that when we come together, we transform what seems impossible into something powerful, sustainable, and life-giving.

Youth Farm Assistant & Young Pharaoh, James Light, watering the Happily Natural Outdoor Learning Lab at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm

Now, through Petersburg Is Growing Inc., this movemeant is expanding and we need YOU to be a part of it.

Step Up. Dig In. Grow With Us.

Every Monday from 11 AM - 2 PM, we gather at Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm (535 Beech St.) to work, learn, and cultivate change.

We’re not just growing food; we’re growing self-sufficiency, food sovereignty, and a generation that knows how to feed itself.

This is about more than just planting seeds it‘s about sowing the knowledge and skills that will emPOWER our commUNITY to build its own urban gardens, small farms, and local food sources.

Local teens & Light Workers, learning how to properly plant native trees to help reduce Urban Heat Island Effect in Petersburg,Va

Larry Bartenstein, our Board Volunteer Chair, drives over 30 minutes every Monday’s his only day off to help build something bigger than himself. This act of commitment and service is what inspired “Mondays 4 Many Hands”. Branden Riley, our Board President, and James Light, a member of the Young Pharaohs of Petersburg, have been working with Larry and leading the charge to develop a new pollinator garden, start seeds for spring, and ensure that Petersburg families have access to starter plants for their own gardens.

Volunteer Chair, Larry Bartenstein, leading the youth in refurbishing the Learning Garden at Pleasants Lane Elementary School

Your Work Will Be Rewarded

We believe in reciprocity: if you put in the work, you should reap the rewards.

That’s why we provide free local produce, soil, seeds, grow bags, and other resources to Light Workers who invest their time and energy into this movemeant.

This is how we build something real by giving, by sharing, by lifting one another up.

Local youth and neighbors of the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm, enJOYing some fruits of their labor (lettuce)

The Work Doesn’t Stop Here

We’re not just growing food at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm we’re building a network of farmers, gardeners, and green spaces across Petersburg.

We‘re Supporting Local Farms, Including:

• Healing Hope Urban Gardens

• The Backyard Farmer

• Maroon Grove Farms

• and more.

These farms are the backbone of our food system, and we‘re here to lighten their load and strengthen their impact.

If you‘re a local farmer who needs extra hands, reach out. We’re ready to schedule a Many Hands 4 Light Work project at your farm.

Farmer Juniper, teaching a Petersburg family how to compassionately groom goats at Maroon Grove Farms

We’re Helping Urban Gardeners & Local Green Spaces

We believe EVERYONE deserves access to fresh, homegrown food. That’s why we’re here to help you start or maintain your urban garden.

Need help with:

• Soil prep

• Planting and harvesting

• Troubleshooting garden challenges

We got you.

Local teen & Light Worker, Kaesho, helping a farm neighbor with pruning a tree in his yard

We’re also designing, developing, and maintaining local green spaces like:

• School gardens

• CommUNITY gardens

• Neighborhood green spaces

Light Workers helping develop the Learning Garden at Walnut Hill Elementary School

If you know of a school, church, or commUNITY space that needs some love and labor, let‘s connect.

Invest in the Future of Petersburg’ s Food System

Maybe you can’t make it out on Mondays, but you still want to be part of this movemeant.

You CAN make an impact by investing in the work.

Your donation helps us:

• Provide free soil, seeds, grow bags, and tools to commUNITY members

• Support local farmers and urban gardeners

• Expand our ability to design and maintain school gardens and green spaces

Give today and help build a healthier, stronger Petersburg.

Light Workers & commUNITY advocates, Aimee Joyaux(pink hat) & Jeremiah Macon, investing energy in the Papa Kelley Vegetable Garden at the Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm

Make a donation at Zeffy.

This Is Your Invitation.

• To learn real farm and garden skills that will last a lifetime.

• To build a local food system that works for US, not against us.

• To step up, show up, and be part of something that matters.

This is bigger than just growing food. This is about cultivating commUNITY.

Are you in?

Email:

petersburgisgrowing@gmail.com to sign up, stay in the loop, or schedule a “Many Hands 4 Light Work” project at your farm, garden, or school.

See you Monday at the farm. Let’s sow and grow…together!

Light Workers refurbishing the learning garden at Pleasants Lane Elementary School