What began as an urban soils database has grown into a resource for finding community gardening and farming opportunities across King County. Created by AmeriCorps Community Agriculture Specialist Jacob Tracy, the Community Agriculture Map provides users with an easy-to-use tool that connects gardeners, farmers, and neighbors to growing spaces and to each other.
Users can search for an address to locate gardens in close proximity and can scroll through nearby gardens, selecting a pin to get more information on the specific garden, photos, contact information, and website links to learn more. Use the map to find growing and learning opportunities at spaces including neighborhood community gardens, school gardens, faith-based gardens, non-profits, and more.
“This is a way for community members and the public to be able to learn about community garden spaces in their area and get involved,” said King Conservation District Community Agriculture Program coordinator Miranda Smith.
One key feature of the map is the filtering option. Users can filter the map to find specific characteristics including beehives, compost bins, garden classes and greenhouses. The in-depth nature of the map is to make it easier for users to find what interests them and perhaps be able to better identify spaces to learn something new.
For garden leaders, those that volunteer to help run community gardens, the map is meant to be particularly helpful. A main goal of the map is to improve connectivity amongst community garden leaders and many of these gardens are led by a small group of volunteers who have a lot on their shoulders. This map, along with programs like the virtual KCD Community Garden Mixers are intended to bring community members together to support one another and learn from each other ways to navigate various challenges.
“These are places for community garden leaders and growers to get to know each other,” Tracy said. Building that solidarity is really important for knowledge sharing and skill sharing.”
A major obstacle to maintaining the sustainability of community gardens is that they often fail once these garden leaders step away. With the map, virtual get-togethers, and other types of programming, KCD hopes to continue offering support to community gardeners while also strengthening these peer-to-peer networks.
“This could lead to better resilience and sustainability of the gardens as a whole. If there’s a stronger network, more people can be brought in and trained to continue the work,” Smith said.
Beyond its practical functions, the map can also help people find hubs for learning, growing, and connecting across King County.
If you would like to add a garden to the map or update an existing one, fill out the KCD Community Agriculture Map Survey or email miranda.smith@kingcd.org.
For more information on KCD’s Community Agriculture Program, check out the website.
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