Community Garden Impact Report 2023-2024

The community garden serves as a cornerstone of our outreach, offering a green space for residents to cultivate fresh produce and connect with nature. In the past year, we have expanded the garden's capacity, allowing more members to participate. We also use the pavilion space for arts and crafts , gardening and nature education.

Goals:

• Increase the number of plots by 10%
• Achieve a 75% Oakbrook resident usage.
• Introduce workshops on sustainable gardening techniques
• Continue multigenerational outdoor outreach activities
• To connect with other organizations to work cooperatively.
• Install additional Composting space
• Create an environment of sustainability and cooperation.

Currently :

• 2,000 sq ft Growing space
• 82 Families since 2021
• 80% gardeners from Oakbrook Homes
• Wheelchair Accessible Planters
• Ground Level plots
• Raised garden beds
• Extra tall raised garden beds
• Vertical growing space “trellises“

1700 Volunteer hours

• Families, Students, Retirees, Coworkers, Urban Ag cohort, Public Servants
• Compost Bins
• Wheelchair accessible
• Vertical Growing Space
• 36+hours of Arts and Crafts

The Benefits of Outdoor Arts and Crafts for Children

Engaging children in outdoor arts and crafts activities offers numerous benefits, fostering creativity, enhancing motor skills, and promoting a connection with nature. Over the past two years, we have dedicated 1.5 hours each month to workshops that have not only nurtured artistic expression but also educated participants about conservation, recycling, and the reuse of materials, resulting in a total of 36 hours of enriching experiences. These sessions have encouraged children to appreciate the environment while developing an understanding of sustainable practices, thereby instilling values that contribute to their growth as environmentally conscious individuals.

24 Educational sessions with  an average of 15 participants each.

Educational Sessions at Cultivating Community Garden

Over the past two years, the Cultivating Community Garden has hosted a diverse array of educational sessions aimed at fostering a deeper connection with nature and enhancing gardening skills among community members. These sessions have not only provided practical knowledge but also encouraged creativity and community bonding through interactive activities. Here are some examples:

• Book Reading ( 12 Participants)
• Our book reading session “Vive para Leer “had been a popular feature, bringing together garden enthusiasts and community members to explore the Book ”It’s harvest time ” centered on gardening, family and nature. This session offered a peaceful retreat where participants unwound and shared insights on various topics, inspiring a collective appreciation for the environment.
• Pumpkin Carvings/ Painting ( 50 participants 2024 35 participants 2023)
• During the autumn season, our pumpkin carving events have become a delightful tradition. Participants of all ages gathered to create unique designs, transforming pumpkins into artistic masterpieces. This activity celebrated the harvest season and strengthened community ties through shared creativity and fun.
• Make and Take Companion Planting ( 45 Participants) 2 sessions
• The make-and-take companion planting workshops were instrumental in teaching participants about the benefits of planting certain species together to enhance growth and yield. Attendees left with their own planted companions, equipped with the knowledge to improve their gardens at home while supporting biodiversity.
• Gardening Best Practices (15 participants each ) 4 sessions
• Our gardening best practices sessions provided valuable insights into sustainable gardening techniques. Covering topics such as soil health, pest management, and water conservation, these workshops empowered gardeners to cultivate their plots responsibly and efficiently, contributing to a greener community.

These educational sessions at the Cultivating Community Garden were pivotal in promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement, nurturing a shared commitment to sustainability and cooperation among residents.

Food Harvest

As the Garden Grows 3,600 Pounds of food Since April 2021

Since April 2021, the dedicated gardeners at the Cultivating Community Garden have successfully harvested over 3,600 pounds of fresh produce. This impressive yield is a testament to their commitment to sustainable practices such as companion planting, which enhances plant growth and biodiversity. By utilizing organic pest management techniques, gardeners have minimized harmful chemical use, ensuring a healthier ecosystem. Additionally, the application of natural soil amendments has enriched the soil, boosting plant vitality and productivity. These methods highlight the garden's role not only in providing nutritious food but also in fostering a resilient and environmentally conscious community.