• increases cross-cultural and cross-generational learning

• provides moderate exercise

• crime rates decline in areas with community gardens

• community gardens increase property values

• higher quality produce for you and your family or friends

• gardeners who grow their own food eat more  healthy produce

• organic gardening helps heal the soil and environment

• community gardens increase neighborhood connections

• gardens encourage healthy bugs and wildlife

• children who garden tend to eat more vegetables

• gardening is a wholesome family activity

• a community garden can serve as a third place, such as a church or community center would

• gardening reduces obesity and diabetes rates

PPUG's History

Pikes Peak Urban Gardens, a non-profit, was formed in the winter of 2007  in response to a need in the Pikes Peak region. Larry Stebbins, a botanist and life-long organic gardener is the founder of PPUG. Many communities like Denver are far ahead of Colorado Springs in addressing the desire for more places for neighborhoods to grow their own food.

Denver has over 100 community gardens. In 2007, as far as we knew, there were only three in the Colorado Springs area. Bear Creek Community gardens on the west side of town, Old Farm Community Gardens on the east side and Deerfield. We are seeing record numbers of people interested in growing their own food. 

In the fall of 2008, PPUG became an initiative of  Pikes Peak Community Foundation.  Since that time PPUG has assisted several communities start gardens, help incubate two urban farms, start a "No Vendor Fee" Farmers Market for the small farmer, start a 1/3 acre demonstration garden on the west side of the Springs and given numerous talks to over 5000 people in the Pikes Peak region. In 2012 PPUG operated a 42 ft off-the-grid domed greenhouse at Galileo School of Math and Science in Colorado Springs. PPUG has trained the staff in District Eleven to now take over the growing production. The food is being grown and used in the school's lunch program!

Our goal is to add up to three  community gardens annually to the Pikes Peak region.