HENRYETTA, Oklahoma – Residents at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reintegration Program grow plants in the facilities garden each spring.
According to Maintenance Director Dean Williams, the participants grew an abundance of plants this year. The original giveaway was a single-day event that was limited to the MCN elders, but because of the successful crop, continued for a few days.
Over three days, the requirements to participate in the giveaway lessened with the last day giving plants to anyone who would stop by.
The plants filled the large greenhouse on the campus which consisted of a variety of vegetables including different tomatoes, peppers, spices, and much more.
The vegetation was green, but the recent heat had caused some fading to happen to the plants. Weather conditions created a need to rush the event.
“We are just trying to give them away, keep them from burning up and going to waste,” Williams said.
The RIP promoted the giveaway on the program’s Facebook page.
Williams said that the clients start the plants from seed and will assist in watering during the growing period.
“It takes a lot of water,” Williams said.
According to Williams, from February 15 to May 15, the RIP participants are planting and garden tending.
He claims it helps keep them busy while learning new skills.
The participants can eat from the garden and use it as refreshing snacks around the small campus.
The MCN RIP can house up to 36 clients simultaneously and also have off-site clients that participate in the programs.
The program is designed for tribal citizens with felony convictions up to two-years post imprisonment in need of assistance. For more information contact 918-549-2620.
