Community Collaboration
Yields Success
with High Tunnel Build & Learn
By Terri Theisen Urban Soil Health Specialist - Northeast Area
In a delightful display of community collaboration, Urban Soil Health (USH) recently hosted a modern-day version of an old-fashioned barn raising at the home of Russ and Lois Mann in Rochester, IN.
This event provided hands-on experience while focused on building a high tunnel funded by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service's Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
On a beautiful Monday in late July, rain threatened on the horizon but, thankfully, did not come to fruition. With guidance from the Nifty Hoops team leading the build, local community members, Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), and aspiring high tunnel growers rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
The hands-on opportunities provided participants with valuable experience in what it takes to construct a high tunnel — from site selection and preparation to understanding crop selection and the conservation benefits that high tunnels bring to sustainable agriculture. High tunnels have become a popular conservation practice for farmers, and their acclaimed benefits include an extension of the growing season, improved plant and soil quality, and reduced pollen and pesticide drift.
Suzanne Phend, a local grower, described the event as "a great opportunity for the community to interact with a niche group of experts in a friendly and casual environment." She appreciated gaining hands-on learning experience while networking with like-minded people. Phend noted that the friendly and casual environment was particularly helpful for connecting with the local experts. They offered insights on everything from high tunnel sizes and installation processes to garden pest hacks.
Nifty Hoops led the build with impressive speed, coordinating the efforts of all involved like a well-oiled machine. Despite a setback due to high winds later in the day that delayed the installation of the plastic roof, a small team returned the following day to complete the job.
Jodie Overmyer, District Coordinator from the SWCD in Marshall County, expressed her excitement at seeing the structure go up in just one day, noting how "everyone worked together in a fairly organized manner." She emphasized the importance of planning for a project like this to ensure its long-term success.
She also mentioned that the event sparked strong interest among participants in financial and technical assistance from Indiana Conservation Partners, including technical assistance and soil testing from USH and SWCD, financial assistance from NRCS, and educational information and opportunities from Purdue Extension.
This event was more than just a build; it was a learning experience and a testament to the power of community collaboration. Lois Mann, the new owner of the high tunnel, indicated her biggest highlight was "seeing friends and work acquaintances, and meeting new members of the community who are considering building a high tunnel." By the end of the day, Mann appreciated that the daunting job was made enjoyable working alongside these professionals.
Everyone involved walked away with new skills, a deeper understanding of sustainable farming practices, and a profound sense of pride in what they had accomplished together.
The "High Tunnel Build & Learn" sponsored by the Urban Soil Health program demonstrates what is achievable when agriculture professionals, conservationists, and community members unite to advance sustainable agriculture in Indiana.