47 miles up the Kougarok Road, the test crops at Pilgrim Hot Springs have seen a successful harvest. The crops are a part of the Bering Straits Development Corporation’s (BSDC) efforts to renovate the historic site.
Robert Bensin is the construction manager for BSDC. He says the tomatoes, onions, radishes, and turnips have thrived in the test plot’s soil. According to Bensin, “the harvest did actually surprisingly better than we actually expected. We got started very, very late; we weren’t putting anything in the ground until mid-July. It did exceptionally well considering the time it went in.”
He calls the project a “success for everyone involved.”
In addition to a bountiful harvest, BSDC has cleaned up debris from the site. Bensin used reclaimed well-shacks to make a new outhouse and bath house. And a new parking lot was built as well. With new renovations, Bensin is excited by the community embrace of the revitalization of the grounds.
“It’s remarkable how the word has spread about the things going on out there. And how much activity and visitors have been heading to the springs and enjoying the earth pool and historical buildings on the site,” says Bensin. “There’s a lot of buzz around the community of people who want to get involved with next summer’s grow season.”
The Pilgrim crops will go through one more harvest. The pumpkins and onions will be gathered today and sent to the Nome Eskimo Community and the Community Center.
Spring plans for the site will be made this winter.
