Summer internships are vital for those soon entering the work force, but instead of spending his days making copies, answering phones, and fetching coffee, Morgan interned with the David Matthews Center for Civic Life where he was a Jean O’Conner Snyder intern. He lived on-site at Comet Grove, Oak Grove’s community garden, where he was responsible for the upkeep of the garden as well as for the distribution of the vegetables. Morgan was studying how rural areas come together to solve problems within the community.
He soaked up the sun’s rays, too, but not by a cool body of water. Instead, he spent his days planting and picking beans in the summer sun, moderating community forums, and resting his head each night in the barn he was living in. Morgan even joked about sleeping on hay bails, along with the mattress of beans and pillow of corn.
“It’s been so memorable,” Morgan said of the experience. “There’s a need in the community and it’s about coming together to fill those needs.”
He sought out ways for the community to come together so the garden could thrive. And while most of the young adults attending college can’t fathom missing their latest reality fad television show, Morgan had no television all summer.
But the experience Morgan walked away with is something you can’t learn from a classroom, or even from watching the Discovery Channel, it must be hands on. Take, for example, the experience of finding out which ways work best to keep wild animals from destroying your fresh, budding produce. The produce you worked so hard to grow for your community.
At a weekly garden meeting one night, Morgan saw some crows feasting on his hard work. He shot one and showcased the deceased animal on a pole to prevent future crows from destroying his crops. Not only was Morgan an intern, he was also the pest control.
Morgan said what he has taken from the experience is how a community can come together with a vision. The fact that the community can come together in a short time and see their efforts working in a positive way meant a lot to him.
Comet Grove sits on 4 acres on the former Zeigler Christmas Tree Farm. The garden saw much success and in a single day 700 pounds of produce were given out. Also given out were more than 150 farm vouchers. Vouchers were available at the Care House in Sylacauga for those who were in need.
Anyone who feels they would quality and has not yet received a voucher, they are still available. Participants in the community not eligible for vouchers can go to the garden and purchase the vegetables.
Morgan was presented with a proclamation by the town of Oak Grove Thursday night. Today is his last day interning.
“The Dave Matthews Center has been wonderful,” Oak Grove Mayor Charles Merkel said. “We want to do this again next year for another individual. He’s (Morgan) been great and he’s really thrown himself into it and worked untiringly.”
Merkel said there’s nothing like eating the food out of that garden. He also said Morgan had made a good impression on everyone in the community,
Carolyn Zeigler, volunteer coordinator for the garden, said she couldn’t have done it without Morgan. “It’s been hard work and it gets hot,” she said.
Chris McCauley, director of operations for the Dave Matthews Center for Civic Life, said Morgan’s experience was the best internship they’ve done.
“This is one of the most innovative things we’ve done,” he said. “I almost look for an excuse to go out there once a week.”
Volunteers are still needed daily and all donations are appreciated. Call Hunter Morgan at 256-438-0758 or Carolyn Zeigler at 256-391-6590 or stop by if you are interested in volunteering.
“I’m going to miss the family I have here,” Morgan said. “It’s been a great experience.”
Contact Lindsey Holland at lholland@dailyhome.com
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