Did you know that Muncie/Delaware County has an impressive and fascinating past of surviving by means of community gardening?
According to the book "Delaware County in the World War":
WAR GARDENS-
"Muncie and Delaware County held first place in the Nation in the demonstration in most effective fashion of the practical side of the food substitution and conservation program. In 1918, for example, 7,050 war gardens were planted in the county. School gardens in 1918 numbered 18, each containing one-sixtieth of an acre, or twenty-one acres in all. Vacant lot and other gardens numbered 5,790, comprising 684 acres. A total of 705 acres were cultivated by loyal gardeners, old and young. Boys and girls to the number of 1,948 enrolled for the movement."
To support such a unique tradition of community gardening and to address the tough economic issues our community is faced with, Muncie Delaware Clean and Beautiful has created a network of local gardens and gardeners to help build a stronger local food system.
UGI is a local Urban Gardening Initiative in Muncie and Delaware County, networking resources and community to encourage more local urban food production. UGI has many resources available including books, tools, a rototiller, straw, compost, seeds, plants and experienced gardeners to help.
To participate, get involved or seek ways and resources to start your own community garden contact Jason at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Currently we have 11 gardens a part of our UGI network including:
- North Street Urban Garden
- Maring Hunt Community Gardens
- Urban Light Community Garden
- Riverside UMC Community Garden
- Camp Isanogel Garden
- Motivate Our Minds Childrens Garden
- Roy C. Buley Center Childrens Garden
- First Fruits Garden Project
- Youth Opportunity Center Youth Garden
- Inside Out Community Garden
- Howard Street Community Garden
View (UGI) Urban Gardening Initiative in a larger map