Washington Heights Community Garden Group

Growing food in urban areas is taking off around the country. From the White House vegetable garden to vacant lots in Detroit, people are transforming formerly dormant spaces into creative places to produce food. In Milwaukee, I recently completed a similar transformation with my neighbors. Where there once stood a boarded up, condemned house, there now are 24 raised beds for vegetables, and common areas with raspberries, strawberries, asparagus, and more. Within four short months, the Washington Heights Community Garden Group put together a plan, got the necessary lease and approvals, applied for funding, and gathered volunteers to move dirt and plant seeds. Now where there had been a dead zone that encouraged crime, neighbors are coming together to talk while they tend their vibrant gardens.