In 2010, we purchased a 160-acre parcel of land, just east of the reservation’s Porcupine community. This property — which we call Feather II — offers dynamic opportunities to further develop our program.

To date, two administrative offices (one leased to South Dakota State University Extension) and a two-bedroom residence have been constructed.

We have erected four hoop-house greenhouses, with supporting infrastructure, and grow thousands of pounds of produce, annually.

There is only one full-service grocery store on Pine Ridge – a reservation spread across nearly 3,500 square miles. Much of this land is not suitable for agriculture. Produce has to travel further to get here, which increases its price and shortens its shelf life. People on the reservation, where resources are limited, are forced to pay a premium for an inferior product - or go without.

The fruits and vegetables harvested from Re-Member’s gardens allow individuals and families in the community the opportunity to enjoy something that historically has been difficult to find here on Pine Ridge: fresh, local, nutritious, affordable produce. A healthy, non-processed option that can enrich diets and change lives.

The next phase of construction will bring our Community Education Center and Learning Kitchen, along with staff and volunteer housing to completion.

There are endless opportunities at Feather II, many only beginning to be imagined. To learn more about our Feather II project, please contact Executive Director Will Paese.