Members and friends of the Okmulgee County Community Garden spent several hours cleaning up the garden last Saturday. Raised beds were cleaned of winter debris, weeds were removed and soil was tilled in preparation for spring planting. Some areas were mowed and winter plantings tilled under so different crops can be planted. Representatives from the local YMCA were also on hand to work in the Children’s Garden, which will be one of the YMCA’s GO Youth Summer Camp activities. Beginning in early June, students participating in the YMCA’s youth summer camp will visit the garden twice a week for six weeks to learn the various aspects of gardening and planting vegetables, while also learning about Three Sisters Gardening and pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The College of the Muscogee Nation Extension Service will also partner with the Community Garden during the YMCA youth camp.