On the grounds of an old knife factory, What Cheer Flower Farm is hoping to grow not just flowers but also a community and a love for nature. “There’s a lack of connection to the natural world here,” said Erin Achenbach, the director of programming and land management at What Cheer.
Achenbach shared more about the farm’s roots and how it has expanded in recent years. “While the original goal of the nonprofit is to give flowers and spread joy, and we are fully committed to continuing that effort, we’re really looking at this as the opportunity to facilitate something so much larger,” she explained.
Achenbach said the farm on Magnolia Street provides a space the community needs. “The thing that we’re aiming to do is affect positive change in the environment,” she said. “In this heat desert effect that you have in an urban environment, the lack of access to green spaces that this neighborhood has suffered. We want to put those things back.”
One of Achenbach’s goals is to say 'yes' to anyone who reaches out with a request or an idea. She wants What Cheer to provide space to anyone who needs it.
Read more at wpri.com