The Berks Conservancy’s Berks Urban Greening (BUG) Community Gardening Program is a fascinating project that transforms vacant lots into healthy green community spaces and community gardens. This provides opportunities for local residents to grow their own vegetables, herbs, and flowers, which will engender economic self-sufficiency, health and nutritional benefits, resident cooperation, community spirit, and is an attractive green space in urban areas. This program is a critical component of the Quality of Life and Economic Development issues currently challenging the City of Reading.
To date, a total of nine community gardens have been established through this program, and we anticipate the creation of at least one new garden each year. This has been successful due to the cooperation of numerous partnering organizations, grantors, and most importantly, the residents of these communities. A community garden changes the aesthetics, and the spirit, of a community. This program is intended to organize and empower local residents to take control of their neighborhood.
South 10th Street (Amanda’s Garden)
Largest garden to date with 70 plots available.
Eisenbrown Street Garden
Key role in bringing members of this community together.
Buttonwood Street (Eunie’s Garden)
Occupied by the community in the 6th Ward.
Glenside Community Garden
34 plot garden for the residents of Glenside Homes. Nestled in the back corner, this garden provides a niche of green in a very developed area.
Kennedy Towers Community Garden
Many friendships started from residents working together in this community garden. Some plots
are raised garden beds for wheelchair accessibility.
North 6th Street Garden
Located within the boundaries of the Centre Park Historic District.
Opportunity House Community Garden
Gathering site for local residents along with members of Opportunity House.
Reading Iron Community Garden
Provides residents a clean, safe place to commune and share gardening ideas and produce located next to the community playground.
3rd & Spruce Garden
Used for educational purposes, students from the Reading School District occupy the garden plots.
Angelica Garden
This garden located in Angelica Creek Park is presently utilized as a learning garden for the Berks Conservancy EcoAdventure Camp.
Community garden sponsorships are available for $35,000. To date, we thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Colonial Oaks Foundation, Albert & Eunice Boscov, The Holleran Family, and Carole & Raymond Neag.
