MADISON, Wis. — In the first of a two-part series, WISC-TV examined the rewards reaped by those who join a community garden effort and the push to go organic.
There are 17 community gardens in the Madison area, which together yield more than a quarter million pounds of fresh produce each year. Across the United States and Canada, there is an estimated 18,000 community gardens, WISC-TV reported.
“For some it’s an ethical, environmental decision. For others it’s just common sense. Some even see local food as a food security issue,” said Larry Johnson, executive director of the Dane County farmer’s market.
The largest of Madison’s community gardens rises above Lake Mendota near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.
Eagle Heights is believed to be the oldest and largest community garden in the U.S. Gardeners there come from some 50 countries, and all are part of what in a sense is a retro movement, WISC-TV reported.