New Geodesic Greenhouse Launches to Combat Food Insecurity in Vallecito

A newly constructed 26-foot-tall geodesic dome greenhouse in Vallecito aims to tackle food insecurity in the Pine River Valley. This initiative, driven by the local nonprofit Pine River Shares, is designed to provide fresh produce to residents at no cost. Volunteers will maintain the greenhouse, which is part of a larger effort to ensure access to healthy food within the community.

The construction of the greenhouse, which began just days ago, marked a significant milestone for the Pine River Valley, a region grappling with rising food prices and limited access to fresh produce. Chuck Freeman, a volunteer on the project, emphasized the positive impact this greenhouse will have, stating, “It’s going to help a lot of people up here.” The structure withstood recent flooding that forced the evacuation of 390 homes, underscoring its resilience in the face of adversity.

Community volunteers and contractors worked together to complete the greenhouse in less than 20 hours, a remarkable feat considering that such structures typically require around 32 hours to build. Freeman noted the collaborative spirit at the construction site, comparing it to the industriousness of an ant colony. The project has been in the works for over two years, with Freeman estimating that once operational, the greenhouse could support 20 to 30 people.

Food insecurity poses a significant challenge in La Plata County, where approximately 20% of residents report eating only two meals a day. Many families in the Pine River Valley face financial difficulties, exacerbated by the rising cost of groceries. Freeman highlighted that local food often gets exported to wealthier areas, leaving the community with few options for affordable, fresh produce.

Three years ago, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Pine River Shares secured 390,000 USD from the American Rescue Plan Act through La Plata County. Andrew Trujillo, a local farmer and veteran involved in the project, explained that this funding enabled them to engage with the community and understand their needs. “That’s kind of when this all started,” he said, noting that the decision to build the dome came two years later.

The greenhouse is situated on land owned by Terry Shear, who generously offered his property for the project. “I like people. I like teaching folks, and I had the space – so why not?” he said, expressing his enthusiasm as the project neared completion. The collaborative nature of Pine River Shares means that there is no single leader; instead, the community has engaged in numerous discussions to reach this point, sometimes navigating disagreements along the way.

Construction was a true community effort, with volunteers contributing significantly to the project’s speed. Contractor Austin Willis remarked on the exceptional teamwork, stating, “We’ve had a really amazing team of volunteers. They just flew right through it.”

With the greenhouse now completed, discussions are underway regarding its future operations. Volunteers are considering which crops to grow, with tomatoes and cucumbers emerging as likely candidates. Plans for raised planter beds and an outdoor garden plot for summer produce are also being explored. Freeman expressed optimism about the project’s potential, stating, “We have lots of flexibility.”

As the community of Vallecito regroups after recent challenges, this greenhouse represents a vital step toward addressing food insecurity and fostering self-sufficiency in the Pine River Valley. The residents are now eager to determine how best to utilize this new resource and ensure that it serves the needs of those in the area.