The Brownsville Community Garden is sponsored by the CFA with cooperation and support from Central Linn School District, the City of Brownsville, and Oregon State University Extension Service. The Garden occupies about 1/2 acre at the Central Linn School District Offices in Brownsville. This building is home to the local Kidco Head Start program, Parents and Pals Preschool, and Home school classes, serving families in Brownsville and surrounding rural communities

The Calapooia Food Alliance enjoys a free lease from the School District, and the city donates water and organic matter for composting. OSU provides resource services, training, and mentors in sustainable practices and family nutrition. We have several local sponsors and a network of cooperating agencies.

The site includes 14 Individual Plots for lease to Community Gardeners, a 9 x 15 educational plot and a 3,000 sq/ft community garden. The community garden produces a variety of fresh produce for our 'Free Fresh Produce' program, supporting 330 families through Sharing Hands (our local food bank) and the Senior Meals on Wheels kitchen. Crops grown this year include: broccoli, corn, tomatoes, squash, peas, carrots, beets, salad greens, and companion plants.

Our childrens' gardening program provided 7 classes of hands-on training for 24 students in sustainable organic concepts this spring and summer. Healthy gardening to improve nutrition is integrated into every aspect and activity. The Central Linn Learns after-school program built a raised bed garden and planted lettuce, broccoli, and edible flowers. The Central Linn High School Greenhouse class planted 2,500 donated vegetable starts in the community garden for our 'Free Fresh Produce' program, providing 3236 pounds of fresh produce to our local low-income families and the Senior Meals on wheels program.

Our Garden facility is managed by volunteers. Anne Stein, Community Garden Manager, provides instruction, assisted by Kristie Glaser; both are Master Gardeners. The Calapooia Food Alliance Board of Directors oversees the Brownsville Community Garden. Additionally, 30 community volunteers assist with development and maintenance. Individual plot gardeners are encouraged to 'Plant a Row', (PAR), for the hungry and they volunteer 4 hours per/month, each.

Community Garden Application 2013

Community Garden Guidelines