Racine Urban Garden Network (RUGN)

We accomplish this by developing urban community gardens to provide plots for individual or organizational use. The plots allow community members to grow their own healthy, organic food. RUGN provide access to tools, water, soil, compost, and mulch at all garden locations. We strive to provide the needed support to new gardeners though garden-related education events & community events as well as one-on-one advice and mentorship when needed. http://rugn.org/sign-up-for-a-garden-plot/

We are also motivated to increase community cohesion through urban gardening. Tight-knit communities produce individuals who take greater initiative in preserving the positive components in their communities which ultimately increases economic opportunity and overall well-being. RUGN founders believed that the increased multi-ethnic & intergenerational interaction that happens in our gardens will bolster the local food economy within Racine County. 

The Racine Urban Garden Network is a network of community gardens across the city of Racine, Wisconsin.

In 2009 a group of concerned citizens in Racine began meeting with the vision of creating an urban garden. The group hoped to build urban community cohesion and improve food security, nutrition and sustainable food resources within Racine. Around 75 people attended the first meeting, which provided the spark for the creation of the Racine Urban Garden Network (RUGN).

In 2010 we created our first garden, Marquette Street Garden. We built the garden on a vacant lot located at 734 Marquette Street on the West side of downtown. In the first year 25 people utilized community garden plots.

Since the initial creation or the Marquette Street Garden our network has grown to over 9 garden sites with over 300 garden plots! * Anthony Lane - 2437 Anthony Lane, * Butler Garden - 825 Caron Butler Drive, * Emaus Church - 1925 Summit Ave., * Harvey Garden - 441 Blaine Ave., * Marquette Garden - 734 Marquette Street, * N Owen Davies Garden - 17th & West Blvd., * Ruby Ave. - 3900 Ruby Ave., * St. Paul -1821 Carroll Street, * Villa Street - 1112 Villa Street, * Zoe Garden of Life - 2103 Racine Street.

RUGN's garden projects have blossomed through the hands and hard work of dedicated Racine volunteers. We thank our board members, committees, and community volunteers for making our existence possible. If you would like to help please email us at info@growwithrugn.org.