BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation is inviting members of the community to kick off another growing season by participating in the Spring Clean-Up at Flourish Community Garden on April 26 and May 3.

Volunteers are invited to lend a hand at the garden, located at 820 Broadway in Benton Harbor, on Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 3.

BHCDC officials say the clean-up events are open to all ages and experience levels.

Volunteers will help prepare planting beds, clear debris, and beautify the space ahead of a busy summer of programming and planting.

“The idea for the garden came from a community visioning project called Reimagining Community,” said Ashley Hines, Executive Director of BHCDC. “Residents expressed a desire for more green space, access to fresh food, and ways to connect. The garden is now a living reflection of those hopes.”

With support from the Berrien Community Foundation’s Big Idea Grant and Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, officials say the BHCDC was able to expand the garden's services to include distribution to the Benton Harbor High School food pantry, and home garden kits for residents.

You can sign up to volunteer for the Spring Clean-Up on the BHCDC website.