Community Gardens
Locally-grown food isn’t just the freshest option; it’s also a healthier choice that helps cut down on fossil fuel use by reducing the need for long-distance transportation.
Greenbelt supports the production of locally-grown food through farmland conservation, and by owning and managing two community gardens: Young Farm in the Lanesville section of Gloucester and Dodge Farm in Wenham.
Each growing season, gardeners enjoy a bountiful harvest from their own plots at these community gardens. To participate, gardeners must hold a Greenbelt annual membership at the supporter level, which includes access to one garden plot.
The number of plots at each community garden are limited. If you are interested in becoming a gardener in 2025, please email Dave McKinnon at Greenbelt to learn about availabilities.
Young Farm
In 1984, the Young family generously donated their property to Greenbelt. This land, historically managed as a dairy farm, now contributes to our conservation efforts.
The following year, one of the founding garden members proposed that Greenbelt establish a community garden to honor its agricultural heritage. It took a decade of planning and effort before, in 1995, Greenbelt and a group of Lanesville residents successfully launched the garden.
The Young Farm Community Gardens now have 42 plots and are located on High Street in the Lanesville Village of Gloucester.
Each year, there are two mandatory cleanup days, one in the Spring and one in the Fall.
Hamilton-Wenham Community Garden at Dodge Farm
Located on Porter Street adjacent to Pingree Park in Wenham, the Hamilton Wenham Community Garden features 56 garden plots (4’x12’), a community blueberry patch, and a butterfly garden.
The garden was founded in 2012 by a group of volunteer gardeners working with the Hamilton Wenham Open Land Trust (HWOLT).
In 2022, Greenbelt acquired the land from HWOLT and has since made improvements to the walking paths and the tree farm.
Parking spots are available at Pingree Park beside the tennis courts, and three additional spaces are available off of the Porter Street entrance.
