• 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. In Denver there are 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 3000 people in the Pikes Peak region. The latest project is at Galileo School of Math and Science in Colorado Springs. PPUG will be growing food for the school inside their 42 ft off-the-grid domed greenhouse.

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

Meet PPUG's

Board Members

2011

 

Monica Phelan

Monica is a native Coloradoan, who currently resides in Black Forest and operates Phelan Gardens nursery on Austin Bluffs Parkway. She has a son and daughter who both attend CU Boulder; she graduated with a BA from UNC. Monica is the President and Owner  of the Phelan Corporation and Vice President of Earth Expressions Landscape & Maintenance company. In addition to PPUG, she also sits on the board of the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association. Her interests include enjoying the outdoors, gardening, hiking, skiing and walking her dog.

 

Matthew Schniper

Matthew is a Culture Editor at the Colorado Springs Independent weekly newspaper, where he heads the food and weekly events sections and contributes to various other areas. He graduated from Colorado College in 2001 and has spent roughly 10 years inside the fine dining industry, beginning at the age of 15. At the Independent since early 2006, Matthew has written often about local and sustainable food practices and as well as eco-friendly topics; he also regularly reviews local, independent dining establishments. In addition to writing, he’s an avid traveler, photographer, gardener and beekeeper.

 

 

 

 

Elise Bergsten

Elise grew up on a hobby farm in SE Minnesota in the 70's.  She's lived in Colorado for 26 years and loves the mission of fostering local organic gardening as a major food source for her family and the entire community.  Elise brings previous non-profit board experience and fundraising skills to PPUG.  She does project management and administrative work for Special Districts and Water Working Groups, including the Arkansas Basin Roundtable and the Fountain Creek Watershed, Flood Control and Greenway District.

 

 

New Board Members (bios pending):

Lyn Harwell

Rich Young

Jerianne Heimindinger

Donna Hatton

Carl Hatton

Stephanie Jensen

Leslie Flanigan