Douglass Community Services partners with Hannibal teen to launch community garden

May 28, 2025 | By Muddy River News

Pictured from left, Laurie Kurre with MU Extension; Emily Trevathan with Douglass Community Services; Alan Wilkerson with Douglass Community Services; Stephanie Cooper with Douglass Community Services; Emily Dexheimer with Douglass Community Services; Karen Bickel, board representative; Dylan Harmon; Mary Gibbons president of Douglass Community Services board; Quintin Dryden, board representative; Tysa Coleman, board representative; Donnelly Jung, Douglass Community Service secretary; and Veda Acree, Douglass Community Services Head Start parent representative. | Photo courtesy of Douglass Community Services

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Douglass Community Services recently announced a partnership with Life Scout Dylan Harmon of Hannibal’s Scouting America Troop 100 to bring a community garden to 711 Grand.

As part of his Eagle Scout service project, Harmon, 14, has led the planning and development of a garden space designed to provide fresh produce and educational opportunities for the community. The project includes the installation of garden infrastructure and the planting of the first crops.

The garden was officially presented to the Douglass Community Services board of directors on May 19. The public was invited to attend and celebrate this milestone in youth leadership and community collaboration.

“This partnership with Dylan and Troop 100 reflects our ongoing commitment to addressing food security in Hannibal and surrounding areas,” Stephanie Cooper, CEO of Douglass Community Services, said in a press release. “The community garden is more than just a green space. It’s a hands-on tool for learning, growing, and nourishing our neighbors.”

“Building this garden taught me a lot about leadership, planning and the importance of giving back,” Harmon said. “I’ve learned that even small projects can make a big difference when the community works together.”