DuPage County Community Gardens

Garden History

In September 2012, DuPage County signed onto the Cool Counties Initiative with a goal of reducing greenhouse gases by 10%, by 2020 and  by 20%, by 2030 countywide. One of the recommendations states that the County should educate consumers about the benefits of buying locally grown food and shopping locally. In support of this goal, the County would like to recognize existing gardens that provide food in the community. 

Community gardens vary in size and purpose. Some serve to educate individuals on the importance of a sustainable lifestyle and others contribute critically needed produce to food pantries.  The County invites schools, park districts, organizations, faith organizations and garden groups to consider starting or expanding a community garden in your area. 

The County hosted a summer workshop on August 16th, with over 45 attendees, for those interested in starting a community garden, sharing resources and exchanging ideas.  Many organizations shared excellent information during the workshop and some of these presentations are available here -  Loaves & Fishes Pantry, FORWARD DuPage, Hammerschmidt School and GardenWorks.

Additional resources are available with links to other community gardening organizations and funding sources to start community garden projects. A community leadership group has also developed a Facebook group for gardeners and interested community members to network.

To help residents find a local garden, the County will maintain this regional database of community gardens.  Email us at recycle@dupageco.org with your feedback, or to add your garden project to the regional database of community gardens & farmers markets. 

Tools and Resources to start a Community Garden

• DuPage Community Gardens Toolkit
• U of I Extension - Community Garden Resources (PDF) 
• U of I Extension- Ten Steps to Community Gardening  (PDF)
• Pesticide Application Factsheet for Schools and Community Gardens  (PDF)