Groundwork Milwaukee

About This Business

Groundwork Milwaukee is a pioneering organization that has been at the forefront of community gardening and urban development in Milwaukee since its inception. Through its Milwaukee Grows Garden Network, the organization has facilitated the creation and maintenance of over 100 active community gardens across the city. These gardens, started and maintained by ambitious residents, serve not only as green spaces for recreation but also as productive areas for growing fresh produce and, in some cases, functioning as full-scale farms. Groundwork Milwaukee collaborates closely with gardeners to provide them with legal and safe access to city-owned vacant spaces, materials, and labor for garden builds and maintenance, as well as planning and training for health-based educational and recreational programming within the gardens. The organization's history is deeply rooted in the community, with its origins tracing back to the founding of Milwaukee Urban Gardens (MUG) in 2000 by a group of individuals who sought to protect community gardens and neighborhood green spaces from development. Following MUG's merger with Groundwork Milwaukee in 2013, the program evolved and was rebranded as Milwaukee Grows in 2017, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to growing healthy communities, fresh food, and green spaces for all to enjoy. As a land trust, Groundwork Milwaukee plays a critical role in acquiring land for community gardens and resident engagement, ensuring the long-term protection of these vital green spaces. The organization's Garden Network is insured to protect gardeners and is a proud member of the Land Trust Alliance, the national organization of land trusts. Through its comprehensive approach, Groundwork Milwaukee not only fosters community engagement and environmental sustainability but also contributes to the overall well-being of Milwaukee's residents by providing access to fresh, healthy food and recreational green spaces. The organization's mission is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in transforming urban landscapes and promoting healthier, more sustainable living. By supporting and empowering local gardeners, Groundwork Milwaukee embodies a model of community development that is both inclusive and environmentally conscious, making it a cornerstone of Milwaukee's urban gardening movement.