How Can I Get a Garden Plot?
Anyone can reserve a garden plot by filling out the application below. Please mail payments for plots to Prairie Hills RC&D at 321 W University Ave Macomb, IL 61455 or stop by the office.
Record Your Garden Hours Here:
Current members please help us track all your hard work by logging the hours you spend at the garden. This can help us apply for future grants and allows us to reflect on all your hard work at the end of the year.
Pricing
A seasonal membership costs $20.00 and includes one individual 10 ft. by 10 ft. garden plot. Additional plots may be reserved, subject to availability, for $10 each.
Membership also includes:
The membership fee is waived for the following groups: Western Illinois University students, Spoon River College students, and McDonough County Housing Authority residents.
Membership also includes:
- Access to hand and power tools tools, a water source & hoses, great soil and compost.
- Access to the produce grown in the member shared plots. (Members are asked to help with planting, weeding, and harvesting.)
- If requested, instruction about your garden, using the tools and equipment, and organic methods of pest control.
- A community that shares seeds, produce, gardening tips, and friendship.
The membership fee is waived for the following groups: Western Illinois University students, Spoon River College students, and McDonough County Housing Authority residents.
History
Photo credit Abby Wendle
The community garden seed was planted in the fall of 2009 by a group of students who wanted a place to garden. In 2010, the students, with the help of Western Illinois University Professors Dr. Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, Dr. Joel Gruver and Dr. Rob Porter, and several local agencies, established the first community garden plots at the Macomb Park District property on E. University Drive in Macomb.
Prairie Hills stepped in to help in 2011 by submitting and acquiring grant funds to purchase garden tools and a tiller along with a shed to store the equipment. Prairie Hills offered to take the Community Garden under their 501(c)(3) umbrella, but as an independent program. Now the Community Garden has their Board of Directors, bylaws and operations. Also in 2011, the McDonough County Housing Authority offered access to their property for community gardeners on East Wheeler Street.
Prairie Hills stepped in to help in 2011 by submitting and acquiring grant funds to purchase garden tools and a tiller along with a shed to store the equipment. Prairie Hills offered to take the Community Garden under their 501(c)(3) umbrella, but as an independent program. Now the Community Garden has their Board of Directors, bylaws and operations. Also in 2011, the McDonough County Housing Authority offered access to their property for community gardeners on East Wheeler Street.
Expectations
The Community Garden is not a source for free produce to members of the public. It is a space where those who wish to grow their own food can work their own plots, and/or help others with theirs. If you would like to pick, you need to plant! Thank you in advance for respecting others and their hard work.
Location
1639 E Wheeler St, Macomb, IL 61455
See pictures of the garden and gardeners hard work & tips and trades for successful gardening.
Web Hosting by iPage
Prairie Hills RC&D is an equal opportunity provider.
We do not discriminate in admission, access to, treatment or employment in programs or activities on the basis of a handicap in violation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Prairie Hills RC&D is an equal opportunity provider.
We do not discriminate in admission, access to, treatment or employment in programs or activities on the basis of a handicap in violation of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.