The Power of Community Gardens
A community garden is defined as “a green space shared by members of the local community. The purpose of a community garden is to provide an open space for learning about sustainable growing practices, building relationships, and developing a sense of belonging” (Ecolife).
Our community here in Brown County, Wisconsin is home to 14 community gardens—developed on otherwise unused land; managed by the Brown County Community Gardens program since 1996, the gardens are built on the foundations of providing accessible and culturally appropriate food to our community members. Community members can rent their own garden plot for a small seasonal fee to raise and grow their own produce. The program involves over 250 families and collaborates with local non-profits and organizations who share the common missions of strengthening healthy food accessibility, supporting underserved populations, and practicing environmental sustainability.
There are many wonderful stories that emerge from community gardens: the human connections that are forged, the increase of personal well-being, the development of relationship between us and nature, the empowerment of growing one’s own food, and donating food grown from the garden to others in need. (1) Community gardens are truly a place where collaboration meets self-sufficiency, where connection meets growth, and where health meets accessibility.
Some of the oldest BC Community Gardens have been active since the very beginning. For example, the garden on Maple and Augusta (1998) is one of the program’s original gardens and continues to thrive. Located in the heart of downtown Green Bay, Maple and Augusta garden is located on the property of Green Bay Plastics—a local company. Nestled in a downtown neighborhood, this garden is a great example of urban gardening.
On Saturday August 3rd, 2024, Green Bay’s New Leaf Foods will be hosting a garden tour in which the Maple and Augusta garden will be showcased from, 10am to noon.
Community members are invited to arrive at their own pace and join on ongoing tour of the garden; information regarding the Brown County Community Gardens Program will also be provided.
The power of community gardens lies within the strengthening of relationships: between ourselves and the land, within our communities, and within our own self.
(1) Brown County Community Garden Annual Surveys are conducted to showcase the benefits of community gardening.