Cooperative Orchard-Garden

The Atalanta Cooperative Orchard-Garden has been providing fresh, local produce, grown without chemicals, to families in the San Luis Valley for 17 years. We use composted manure from the horses and goats to enrich the sandy soil of the garden. Water regulations in the county allow us to water one acre with our 100 foot well. Some of the produce grown in a typical season are salad greens, kale, chard, collards and other braising greens, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, carrots, beets, root vegetables, peas, beans, tomatoes, herbs and asparagus.

Saguache county is the 3rd poorest county in Colorado (https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/geo/chart/saguachecountycolorado/IPE120216#viewtop) with nearly 30% of the population living below the poverty level. The cooperative garden offers affordable working and non working memberships, bringing fresh, healthy produce into homes. In addition to providing families with produce, Atalanta donates all surplus produce to the local food bank.

The goals of the cooperative garden span beyond providing healthy food. It is important for people to understand where their food comes from and how to ethically and responsibly grow their own food. Several volunteers of all ages have enriched their lives through work in the cooperative garden. A deeper understanding of the food origin and sustainability can be gained by learning about the local growing season and soil. It is our hope that through education and cooperative farming we can build a more sustainable community and world.

Baby Coretta snuggles next to mom Chloe when baby Charlie jumps on mom to play!

Atalanta and the cooperative garden are a shining example of sustainability, having always supported our goals through garden memberships and the sale of eggs and goats. We have hosted permaculture workshops and have implemented permaculture design into the orchard garden throughout. By including fruiting trees and shrubs in the garden we have created natural shade and windbreaks while expanding our food production.

2017 Prices:

Full Non-working membership $250

Full working membership $50