Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is an organization of food-producing gardens all across the city, including our very own garden on campus called The Bridge, located across from Johnson-McFarlane Hall. We are one of 192 gardens located on school grounds and within different communities throughout metro Denver.
Unfortunately, there are many obstacles in the way of having access to healthy, organic foods for those that need them most. DUG focuses on reducing those barriers and making it so that everyone has an equal opportunity to grow, eat and live better.
There are many ways you can get involved with Denver Urban Gardens. Whether you want to learn more about the process or grow your own produce in one of the gardens, the possibilities are endless.
Most of the gardens around Denver are open to the public for anyone to use, each cared for by individuals or families. Many of these garden plots are in partnership with food banks, non-profit organizations and mutual aid groups. You can apply for a plot of land by visiting the DUG website. Plot applications are reviewed in April, just in time for you to start planting. There are some small “DUG dues” to help keep the organization running, but your money is going towards a great organization that helps others live a happy, healthy lifestyle.
If you want to learn more about the gardening process but don’t want to jump right into the physical aspect of it, DUG offers several classes for people of all ages to attend.
Volunteering with Denver Urban Gardens is not only fun, but it makes you feel good knowing you are benefiting your community. You can schedule a group work day with friends, peer groups, or co-workers as a bonding experience and a way to give back to Denver. You can also complete court-ordered community service hours through Denver Urban Gardens.
Having our own urban garden right on DU’s campus is great too because you don’t have to go out of your way for a fun day of gardening and community building. “The Bridge” was established in May 2009, founded by Julie Morris.
“I think community gardens are a great way to reconnect with nature and neighbors and to learn about the ecological and socio-economic impacts of our food systems,” Morris said.
Since then, it has been serving the community with organic and yummy foods, beautiful flowers and various plants. It features 37 full plots and eight half plots, along with a tool shed, greenhouse, a compost system and more. Next time you are walking near this area, take a look at the beautiful work that has been done in this unique space!
There are many events hosted here throughout the gardening season, according to Genevieve Waller, the garden leader. “This past summer we had a zucchini bread and tomato tasting event, a salad potluck, and a volunteer day at the Foodbank of the Rockies,” Waller said.
Waller also mentioned a graduate student work-study position to help manage the garden beginning in January 2023. “This role will include helping us plan events, create a website for the garden, work on garden projects, organize our gardeners and more,” she said.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get involved with DU’s Urban Garden or the DUG program itself. Get outside and give back to your community today.
