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Burlington Opens New Community Garden on Brownfield Site

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/20 .. ens-new-community-garden-on-brownfield-site.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 6:47 GMT by PBS
      Locale: Vermont, UNITED STATES

Burlington, Vermont - February 20th, 2026 - A new beacon of green has emerged in Burlington with the opening of the city's latest community garden. Located on the former brownfield site bordering the Winooski River and North Avenue (following extensive remediation completed in late 2025), the garden isn't merely a plot of land for growing vegetables; it represents a growing movement towards localized food systems, community resilience, and accessible sustainability. The project, spearheaded by a coalition of local organizations including the Burlington Food Co-op, the InterFaith Food Pantry, and the newly formed Burlington Urban Growers Association (BUGA), alongside significant support from the city's Parks, Recreation & Waterfront department, officially opened its gates to residents this week.

For years, Burlington has demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship and social equity. However, increasing economic pressures and supply chain vulnerabilities, acutely felt following the climate-related crop failures of 2024, have intensified the need for hyper-local food solutions. The community garden directly addresses this need, offering over 75 individual plots, 15 raised beds designed for accessibility by seniors and individuals with mobility limitations, and a large communal herb and pollinator garden open to all.

"This garden is about more than just growing vegetables," explains Sarah Chen, BUGA's Lead Organizer. "It's about rebuilding our connection to the land, fostering a sense of belonging, and educating people - especially the younger generation - about where their food really comes from. It's about empowering residents to take control of their food security, reducing reliance on increasingly fragile global systems, and building a stronger, more resilient Burlington." Chen also highlighted the garden's unique educational component, stating that they've partnered with local schools to integrate gardening into the curriculum for elementary and middle school students.

The garden's design incorporates several innovative features. A rainwater harvesting system provides irrigation, minimizing water usage, and a dedicated composting area, managed in partnership with the Chittenden Solid Waste District, transforms food scraps and yard waste into valuable soil amendment. The communal growing areas focus on traditionally difficult-to-source produce like ginger, turmeric, and specialty peppers, aiming to diversify the diets of participating families. Furthermore, a small apiary, overseen by a local beekeeper, promotes pollination and offers educational opportunities about the vital role of bees in the ecosystem.

The project's roots extend back to the Burlington Food Summit of 2023, where community members identified food insecurity as a critical issue. Initial funding came from a combination of city grants, private donations, and a successful crowdfunding campaign. The site selection proved challenging, requiring extensive environmental remediation due to the land's previous industrial use. However, the city prioritized the project, viewing it as a key component of its "Sustainable Burlington 2030" plan.

Beyond the immediate benefits of fresh produce, the garden is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the community. BUGA is already planning workshops on canning, preserving, and seed saving, ensuring that the garden's bounty extends beyond the growing season. They are also exploring partnerships with local chefs to showcase recipes utilizing garden-fresh ingredients. The success of this initial garden has prompted discussions about establishing similar spaces in other neighborhoods, with several community groups already expressing interest.

While the garden is thriving, organizers emphasize the need for continued support. Volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in assisting with maintenance, leading workshops, or simply lending a helping hand. Donations of seeds, tools, and financial support are also gratefully accepted. The Burlington Community Garden isn't just a place to grow food; it's a testament to the power of community collaboration and a symbol of a more sustainable future for Burlington.