06 Sep Progress Anna's Ruigte: From swampy reed land to urban agriculture

The 1.5 hectares of land between Café Polder and Science Park will soon be transformed from reed beds into urban agriculture. Starting September 5th, excavators will begin working on the area, moving large quantities of soil. Ditches will be given gradual banks, and some areas will be developed for permaculture. Anna's Ruigte en Tuin (Anna's Wilderness and Garden) is taking shape.

The idea behind Anna's Ruigte is for it to become a place where the Science Park community stimulates biodiversity and actively generates and shares knowledge about nature and alternative forms of agriculture. Under the name: Anna's Garden, for permaculture experiments, and De Ruigte for nature experiences, research, education, and socializing.

It's been a long road to bringing this project to fruition. From education, communication, and continuity plans to competing for the best green initiative in North Holland, there's been praise and plenty of encouragement from outside, but also frustration at times when progress hasn't been forthcoming.

But now the time has come. The initiators are starting to design the garden and prepare the soil for the 2017 growing season.

Want to participate?

Anyone who wants to help is welcome to join in, because it's a major undertaking that the initiators are eager to tackle with all the Science Park residents. And for those who'd like to see it, mark your calendars for early spring, because that's when Anna's Ruigte and its partners, including Café Polder, will be celebrating with a grand opening party.

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