cultivating food, friendships, and community
Our History
2009
The idea of a community garden grew out of a book study called "Brown Bag Book Buddies" that was looking at environmental and sustainability issues. It was led by Dr. Paul Newendorp and sponsored by the United Methodist Church in Estes Park. Originally, 28
participants met and discussed books including Bill McKibben’s Eaarth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet; Allan Weisman’s Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth; and Rob Hopkins’ The Transition Handbook. As members continued to educate themselves on these subjects, the need and desire to put our learning into action became evident. A brainstorming session occurred, and the idea of a community garden emerged.
2015
A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on November 6 to mark the commencement of EVCG.
2016
Gardener orientation was held on March 24 and March 26 at the Estes Valley Library. Construction of 67 raised plots began in March. The first load of soil/compost mix was delivered on April 5, allowing some plot holders to begin planting in mid-April. The Kids' area and Gathering Space construction/installation progressed June through October.
​
2017
A 100+ mph windstorm in early February destroyed the fence along the west side of the Garden. Estes Valley Recreation and Park District and Town of Estes Park granted permission to expand the Garden westward 26 feet to allow an additional 22 garden plots. Fence reconstruction and new plot frame building were completed during April and May, with over 53 days of volunteer work. The gardening season started on time with minimal crop damage from the heavy May 18 snowstorm. A rain gauge, part of a national network of precipitation reporting stations, was installed.
​
2018
Trellises were constructed around the Gathering Area for climbing vines, including hops. Four areas designated “Pollinator Gardens” were planted with locally native flora to attract and nourish the butterfly and bee population. An education corner was added in the tool shed, with field guides on butterflies and maps of the Pollinator Garden plantings. Four educational programs were held in the spring, plus a seed exchange in collaboration with Estes Valley Library.​
2019
Five plots were converted to tall frames, for a total of 12, and the drip irrigation system was automated with timers. Three education programs were held in partnership with Estes Valley Recreation and Parks District Senior and Adult Activities. The third annual seed/plant exchange was held in collaboration with Estes Valley Library and an annual “garden bounty” potluck was held in August. On August 23, EVCG received an “Estes Bright Spot” Award from Estes in Bloom
​
2020
EVCG received an AARP Community Challenge Grant, allowing us to add a handwashing station and convert 6 existing plots to taller frames for gardeners who need easier access. Also part of the AARP Grant, the drip irrigation was extended into the common-area perennial beds and signage boxes were added to each gate for updating Garden access policies. Over 95 pounds of freshly-picked produce was delivered to Crossroads Ministry’s food bank throughout harvest season, from gardener donations and the 5 Crossroads-dedicated plots that were tended by EVCG volunteers.
​
2021
During the season, a total of 13 plots were sponsored (5 individuals; 8 organizations). Due to continuing COVID-19 public health restrictions, the April and May educational programs were conducted via Zoom; however, the annual “garden bounty” potluck was outdoors at the Garden in August. Approximately 80 pounds of fresh veggies and herbs were donated to the local food pantry (The Market at Crossroads) during August and September, including 19 pounds of onions.​​​​​​​​​​​
2022
Sponsored plots grew to a total of 20 (11 individuals, 9 for organizations). Volunteer teams were created to monitor and manage watering, pest control, and garden appearance. In July, a group of 20 youth volunteers from Iowa, through YM360 Generate SERVE based at YMCA of the Rockies, spent 3 half-days days constructing a new tall garden plot; painting the garden shed; installing the sandbox and “bridge” and staining these new items for the Children’s Area; and weeding the main pathways. Gardener orientation and the spring educational programs were held via Zoom, but there were several story time programs in the Garden – three by EVICS Family Resource Center and one by the Library. In September, Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s after-school Explorer Camp visited the Garden with two groups of children ranging from kindergarteners and older.​
The goal of the EVCG is to provide a location for anyone interested in learning about high-altitude tree, fruit, vegetable and flower gardening through experience and mentoring to gather and reap the benefits of locally grown produce
- the bylaws of the Estes Valley Community Garden, Inc.