Community Gardens

UPDATES 2022 SEASON
We are preparing the gardening sites at Amethyst Conservation Area and Fort River Farm.  We hope to have both locations ready for planting by Saturday, June 4, 2022.  We are asking for a $10 donation to garden with us this season.  Preference will be given to returning gardeners.  More details to follow.

If you are interested in planning ahead for the 2022 season - please call Angela: 413-259-3292.

We are making progress on preparing a new garden site at Fort River Farm, but that new site will not be ready until the 2022 season. We will be working through the 2021 summer putting in a well, improving the access road, and creating a parking area.  

We invite you to watch the promotional video below for more information.  Video was produced by Benjamin Byman (Summer Intern 2021 - Houston Fellowship - Amherst College).

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Overview

Community gardens provide access to fresh produce and plants as well as access to satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment. Some gardeners choose to solely grow flowers, while other gardeners grow vegetables for their own personal use, or to share with their neighbors. 

Benefits of Community Gardens

  • Improves the quality of life for people in the garden
  • Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development
  • Stimulates Social Interaction
  • Encourages Self-Reliance
  • Beautifies Neighborhoods
  • Produces Nutritious Food
  • Reduces Family Food Budgets
  • Conserves Resources
  • Creates opportunity for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education
  • Reduces Crime
  • Preserves Green Space
  • Reduces city heat from streets and parking lots