SARANAC LAKE — Residents looking to lease a plot at the Common Ground Gardens in Saranac Lake can nab a spot starting today.

Located on Old Lake Colby Road in Saranac Lake, the garden is run entirely by volunteers. With registration opening soon, organizers are looking to “adopt” out all available plots this green space has to offer and attract volunteers interested in community compost systems, engaging with food pantry service and bringing forward ideas for environmental education or creative events.

Registration links for the general public will be posted on the garden’s social media channels, website, and listserv today, starting at 9 a.m.

Organizers will accommodate requests on a first come, first served basis while maintaining a waiting list if registrants need to drop out mid-season. There are three sizes available and all funds go to sustaining this ongoing community project.

Small “Sweet Pea Plots” are $40 per year; medium “Kitchen Plots” are $80 per year; and large “Homesteader Plots” are $100 per year.

“We’ll do our absolute best to meet everyone’s needs when registration opens, and I’m looking forward to being a ‘full house’ this year,” said Emily-Bell Dinan, one of the 2022 site organizers. “We’re hoping to create opportunities that fit lots of different people’s interests, needs, and schedules. Folks can commit to cultivating an individual plot all season long, get involved with ongoing food pantry needs, one-off work days, or maintaining the new community compost system. This way if registration fills up quickly, folks are busy, or people are more inclined to garden food pantry donations, everyone can get involved in their own way.”

Organizers recommend following the garden on Facebook, Instagram, or contact organizers via email to join the listserv to stay in the loop. Visit the garden’s website to find contact information and registration links when made public.

Common Ground Gardens will kick-off the 2022 season with a “Many Hands Work Day” and orientation at the Old Lake Colby Garden site on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date, Sunday May 1). All new registrants are strongly encouraged to attend.

For more information, email SLcommunitygardens@gmail.com.