Should Low-Income Families be able to grow their own food… even if they don’t have a yard? Of course. That’s why UPG is working to create this unique Garden Center!
We have big dreams!
UPG is not a wealthy non-profit, so it has taken us several years to build up the basic resources to launch this major project… and we are almost there! Everything has a cost: well and well pump, electrical, shade-house and full-sun nurseries, materials, tools & equipment for gardens & food forests, seeds… field computer and mobile internet… liability and vehicle insurance, used truck purchase, gasoline… and so much more.
We are so grateful to our Funders!
Every funder has provided mission-critical elements!
Public Donations – every small donation adds up The Miami Foundation – Public Spaces Challenge 2013 Health Foundation of South Florida – Public Spaces Challenge 2013 UPG Crowdsource on Ioby Service for Peace StartUp City Miami LUSH Cosmetics Florida Forest Service / US Forest Service
This is only the start – now we need to prepare to expand.
You don’t have to be rich to help… if everyone does what they can, we can do this!
Volunteer! Individuals and groups of all ages are welcome. Use the Calendar. Groups, contact Sam.
We need stuff! Tools, equipment, fencing, irrigation… your trash may be our treasure! Visit our Wishlist!
Join a Committee! Be the change by helping with Fundraising, Policy, Education… and of course Agriculture!
Professional Services! UPG is a business, but as a non-profit we lack funds for professional services. From Carpenters to Web Development, we need you!
Donate Funds! We have programs waiting for funding! All donations are appreciated, and Patrons are needed.
Contact: [email protected]
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Gardening is GOOD for what ails us – both personally, and as a society. Are you skeptical? Does this seem to be too big a claim? Consider…
Gardening fights the causes of: * Malnutrition (produce averages 2 Weeks from field to table, so it can’t be fresh) * Poverty (grow your own, and take care of yourself) * Obesity (get off the couch, get off the junk-food) * Famine (grow it, eat it) * Diabetes (good food for good health) * Apathy (gardens need caring people) * Social Isolation (community gardens build communities) * Sea-Level Rise and Global Climate Change (GCC): Chemical Farming with petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides produces most food, and is a bigger cause of GCC than transportation.
UPG began providing support for Urban Ag in Liberty City in March 2009, and has expanded our capacity gradually as resources became available and Volunteer Staff stepped up! _____________ UPG Released “My Garden My World – How To Start Raised Bed Gardening in South Florida” on 1/12/2013. It describes why gardening is so important to the people of South Florida, and how to start doing it!
You can print your own from our Facebook Photos. _____________
We began building gardens at Amelia in January 2015. At this time, 12 are built (6 are planted, 2 are ready, 4 are solarizing). A water extension was added (about 450′). The temporary nursery has been expanded – the Veggie Annex in the Garden Center was created, and a huge planting bench was built. Site prep is ongoing – there are a lot of Invasive Exotics to remove.
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