About the Greenfield Metro Garden Association
Our Story
The Greenfield Metro Garden Association was founded in 2009 by a small group of neighbors who transformed a vacant lot on Elm Street into a thriving community garden.
What started as eight raised beds and a shared compost bin quickly grew into something much larger. Within two years, gardeners in neighboring cities were asking how to start their own chapters, and the association was formally incorporated as a nonprofit.
Today the GMGA spans four cities — Greenfield, Riverside, Oakmont, and Maplewood — with over 20 active garden chapters and a diverse membership that includes retirees, young families, master gardeners, and complete beginners.
What We Believe
Gardening is for everyone.
You don't need a big yard, years of experience, or fancy tools. A pot of herbs on a windowsill counts. We meet people where they are.
Food connects communities.
Sharing a tomato with your neighbor is a small act with outsized impact. Our harvest sharing programs have delivered over 50,000 pounds of produce to families in need since 2012.
Healthy soil, healthy city.
We advocate for organic growing practices, composting, rainwater harvesting, and pollinator-friendly planting. Every plot we tend makes the metro a little greener and a little more resilient.
Knowledge should be shared freely.
Our workshops, mentorship pairings, and seed library exist because experienced gardeners generously give their time and expertise to newcomers.
Leadership
The association is governed by a volunteer Executive Council elected by the membership each January. Day-to-day coordination across the metro is handled by four City Coordinators — one for each city in our footprint. At the chapter level, a Chapter President and a small team of officers manage plot assignments, organize events, and serve as the first point of contact for new members.
By the Numbers
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