INTRODUCTION

In cooperation with Adelante Mujures, Forest Grove Community Gardens is composed of local volunteers, working together to provide a space where people can grow some of their own food, enjoy healthy outdoor exercise in company with friends and neighbors, build cooperative community spirit and lower their food bills during this time of economic uncertainty.

The City of Forest Grove is donating the use of a sunny, fertile plot over an acre in size at the north end of Maple Street that the Washington County Sheriff's Department farmed until last year. The Community Gardens volunteers are donating hours of labor to build a modern irrigation system and a fence around the garden.

History

Community gardens have a long history in the United States. During both World Wars, citizens cultivated "Victory Gardens" to replace essential foodstuffs that were shipped overseas for the war effort. In WWII, "Victory Gardens" produced half the vegetables consumed in this country!

Today, with fuel costs driving up grocery prices and public fears about dangerous pesticides on imported produce, more families are turning to organic gardening to supplement their families' food supplies.

Unfortunately, many people today live in modern homes on lots too small for gardening--and in Forest Grove, true to its name, many older, larger home lots are so shaded by tall trees that gardening is impractical there.

This is why Forest Grove Community Gardens was organized. For a nominal fee to cover water, liability insurance and operating costs, anyone can now rent a place in this public organic garden to grow their own crops for home consumption, sharing with friends or donating to charities.

It is hoped that this garden, the Forest Grove Victory Garden, will be only the first of many local Community Gardens to be established on unused and neglected land around the city.

This is a multi-cultural, all-inclusive project, and anyone is welcome to participate!