Wind River Food Sovereignty Project unveils elder healing garden at Trout Creek Farm

The Wind River Food Sovereignty Project in Wyoming opened an elder healing garden at Trout Creek Farm near Fort Washakie on Sept. 20 with a ribbon cutting, prayer and community feast, according to WyoFile. The 30-acre farm, purchased in 2023, has been transformed with vegetable gardens, a high tunnel, transplanted native plants and circular paths designed for elders.

“This garden is a sanctuary, a place for healing, peace and connection with nature,” co-director Kelly Pingree was quoted as saying during the event. The project, founded in 2018 by Hank Herrera, is supported in part by a $36 million federal redevelopment grant awarded in 2024. Plans include expanding food production, education and access to healthy foods across the Wind River Reservation.