Community gardens are cropping up in cities across the world. Researchers across the academy have been watching this phenomenon closely, and many studies have noted a number of benefits of community gardens, including enhanced personal health among participants, community-building, support for green spaces, and of course, the provision of fresh, healthy produce. Considering the high number of prevalent diseases and other health concerns that are related to diet and exercise, the growing enthusiasm for community gardening is good news indeed.
Right here in Edmonton, we have nearly 100 community gardens across the city, of varying sizes. The City of Edmonton has supported these initiatives with new bylaws, and by offering up municipal land to local organizations. Considering the University’s mandate for education and outreach, it is in a particularly good position to play a positive role in supporting this trend by facilitating greater levels of food and agriculture literacy within the Edmonton community.
Indeed, the University of Alberta has been a quiet champion of community gardens for years, providing support for three community gardens on South Campus: Edmonton Organic Growers Guild, Green and Gold Community Garden, and the newest addition, Prairie Urban Farm. Situated right in front of the dairy barn, on 122nd Street and south of 60th Ave, Prairie Urban Farm grows over 90 different varieties of food crops on its 1.5 acre plot.
The Prairie Urban Farm team has put a high priority on raising awareness about the importance of food and agriculture in our lives, providing people with the knowledge and skills to grow food, and most importantly, building community by providing an inclusive space to learn, participate, or simply enjoy the outdoors. Anyone can become a volunteer with Prairie Urban Farm, regardless of skill level or time availability, and take home fresh produce in exchange for their efforts.
Prairie Urban Farm also welcomes visitors who just want to explore and talk with volunteers about things like pest management, soil amendment, and strategies to grow food in small spaces. The best time to come take a tour and talk with Farm volunteers is Thursday evenings, from 5–7 p.m., during the growing season. You can also pick up some fresh veggies while you’re there!
Guests are also welcome to stop by during volunteer hours on Tuesdays from 5:30–8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1–5 p.m.
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Debra J. Davidson — Professor, Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology
Debra J. Davidson is a Professor of Environmental Sociology in the Department of Resource Economics and Environmental Sociology at the University of Alberta, having received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin (1998). Her key areas of teaching and research include impacts and adaptation to climate change, and crises and transitions in food and energy systems. For the past 4 years, she has also been serving as Director of Prairie Urban Farm.