April Update
Happy spring from the prairie!
It has been dry and windy across the plains for much of the past several months. A dry prairie means high fire danger, and that has been the case as of late. Large fires have burned across Nebraska's Sandhills, and near Custer in the Black Hills. Here on the reservation, a fire broke out last week -- but was quickly contained -- north of Wounded Knee. We have received some much-needed moisture over the past several days, and are hopeful for consistent spring rains.
With the change in seasons, our Winter Heating Assistance program has come to a close for 2025-26. We were able to deliver more than 600 loads of firewood this season and provide more than $100,000 in utility assistance, the largest amount of support in the history of the program. Thanks to folks like you, and hard work by our staff and volunteers, families across the reservation were better able to manage the challenges of winter. Warmth, safety and peace of mind go a long way to improve lives here on Pine Ridge and we are grateful to provide this assistance.
Our construction season started a couple of weeks ago with the completion of several ramps in addition to bed deliveries and outhouse construction in the shop. By the end of the summer, we will have fulfilled hundreds of requests in communities across the entirety of the reservation. These projects address immediate needs, and provide functional benefit to folks living here on Pine Ridge.
Preparations have begun for a busy summer in our gardens as well. Seed starts will soon be planted. We are looking forward to utilizing our new solar well and hydrants in our high-tunnels, as well as in the adjacent veggie-beds. A more effective watering system will increase yields, providing higher quantities of produce which will fill bellies and inform healthy lives. Our beaver collaboration/management efforts continue. Those critters sure do love chewing trees!
SAVE THE DATE FOR GROWING TUESDAY — MAY 5
Re-Member's annual spring fundraiser that supports our gardens is quickly approaching.
We don’t only grow vegetables in our gardens; we grow opportunities and increased access to the benefits of healthy food options. It is not uncommon for many on Pine Ridge to drive an hour or more to buy groceries. Produce available on the reservation is often inflated in price and diminished in quality due to extended delivery times.
Our gardens offer the potential to redefine this reality on the reservation by growing food right here on Pine Ridge. Increasing control over food systems and growing produce locally is a powerful instrument of change in a community that has historically been dependent on federal food programs and their various limitations.
We need your help to make the vision for our gardens come to fruition.
Consider donating as an early supporter with an online gift today!
We are thankful for all the folks who have joined us so far this season and look forward to hosting those who will join us in the coming months. It is great to welcome so many kind, compassionate people extending themselves to learn and do good. It is a privilege to watch our volunteers and the wonderful folks in the community come together every day in the pursuit of a better today on Pine Ridge. Thanks to everyone who makes our work possible!
Sincerely,
Will Paese
Executive Director