Bird Creek Farms: Phase One complete and Community Garden available

PAWHUSKA, Okla. (May 12, 2015) — In August of 2014, when the new administration of Principal Chief Standing Bear and Assistant Chief Red Corn took office, 270 acres was rediscovered during an inventory of Nation-owned property. Discussion began about launching Bird Creek Farm (BCF), a “first ever community agricultural project” of the Osage Nation. This fell in line with the Nation’s 25-year strategic plan which included health, economic and cultural development. Everyone involved from the Office of the Chiefs to the Ta-Wa AmeriCorps volunteers and personnel in between hit the ground running. In less than a year, the first phase of BCF has been completed with the establishment of “an operational community garden.”

The beginning development phase included site preparations for different gardens from pollinators to a pumpkin patch for children to the community plots. Soil tests were completed. A parking lot and pole barn were built and electricity brought in to the barn. Fence construction has also begun; due to the abundance of deer this will be necessary.

In a public meeting held in March, Osage Nation Communities of Excellence Director Gail Boe, whose department spearheads the BCF project, explained that this was a unified effort. BCF has been developed through a coalition of Osage Nation departments as well as other partnering agencies, such as:

  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Oklahoma State University Extension
  • Indian Agriculture Council
  • Kerr Foundation for sustainable Agriculture
  • City of Pawhuska
  • Osage County
  • Osage County Health Department
  • The Euchee Butterfly Farm

Coalition members—Gail Boe, Jacqueline Boulanger, and Osage Nation Assistant Chief Red Corn—have attended several workshops on smart farming techniques. These trainings and workshops will provide the implementation of best practices at BCF and aid in teaching others from children to adults. BCF is not just a means to try different farming practices but is about education. Education is a key component of BCF in showing how to grow food in a healthy way without the use of pesticides and unnatural supplements to the soil. Healthy produce means healthier people.

In addition to promoting health and wellness through gardening at BCF, the overall vision is big. Food sovereignty and economic development are just part of the plan. There are current designs for a greenhouse and the creation of Wahzhazhe Eco Park. And said park, tentatively will provide nature trails, outdoor classrooms, and recreational activities such as fishing for every one of all ages, Elder to child, and be handicap accessible.

To learn more about Bird Creek Farm, take part in the community garden or to volunteer your services please contact Osage Nation Communities of Excellence at 918-287-5267 or visit the Nation’s website at www.osagenation-nsn.gov.