Cultivating Community: Milwaukee's Thriving Youth Garden

Despite the gloomy weather, a group of young people in Milwaukee's 53206 neighborhood were undeterred, dedicating their Saturday morning to tending a beloved community garden. This initiative, known as "We Got This Garden," provides a unique opportunity for local youth to learn the fundamentals of gardening while earning a paycheck for their efforts.

Empowering the Next Generation through Hands-On Horticulture

Nurturing a Green Oasis in the Heart of the City

The "We Got This Garden" is nestled near the intersection of 9th and Ring Streets in Milwaukee, providing a verdant respite in an area that has faced significant challenges. Each Saturday during the summer months, a dedicated group of young people, ranging from elementary school to high school age, gather to cultivate this community garden. Their efforts not only beautify the neighborhood but also instill valuable life skills and a sense of pride.Beautie Davis, one of the young gardeners, enthusiastically describes the work they do, from weeding the strawberry beds to planting a variety of vegetables and flowers. "As you see right here, it's strawberries," she says. "We just weed them and take out the roots to make room for something greater." The children's hands-on involvement in the garden's upkeep and expansion is a testament to their commitment and the program's impact.

Nurturing a Brighter Future, One Seedling at a Time

The "We Got This Garden" program goes beyond simply tending to the plants. It serves as a platform for the local youth to learn the fundamentals of gardening, from understanding the optimal growing seasons and conditions for various crops to mastering the techniques of cultivation. Madison Hibbler, a participant in the program, explains, "We learn different ways to grow vegetables, what time, what months, what seasons."This educational component is crucial, as it equips the young gardeners with practical knowledge that can be applied not only in the community garden but also in their own lives. The program's organizers, led by Alex Bruzan, recognize the transformative power of this hands-on learning experience. "There's lots of good things that happen in 53206," Bruzan says, referring to the challenges faced by the neighborhood.

Cultivating Connections and Fostering Community

The "We Got This Garden" program is more than just a gardening initiative; it's a platform for building community and fostering connections. The young participants not only work together in the garden but also form meaningful bonds with one another and the adults who guide them. "We're a very strong community. We stick together. We're basically like family," says Hibbler, reflecting the sense of camaraderie that permeates the program.The program's impact extends beyond the garden itself, as it has expanded to include four separate garden spaces within the neighborhood. This growth is a testament to the community's embrace of the initiative and the desire to create more opportunities for young people to engage in meaningful, enriching activities.

Reaping the Rewards: Empowering Youth and Nourishing the Community

The "We Got This Garden" program not only teaches valuable gardening skills but also provides the participating youth with a sense of purpose and financial empowerment. Each Saturday, the young gardeners are paid for their efforts, instilling a sense of pride and responsibility. "We meet for 12 weeks in the summer. On Saturdays from eight to noon. Have anywhere between 75 and 100 kids come out. The bonus is they each get paid for coming," explains Bruzan.This financial incentive, coupled with the hands-on learning and community-building aspects of the program, creates a holistic approach to youth development. The program's organizers recognize the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for young people, particularly in areas facing socioeconomic challenges.As the growing season progresses, the "We Got This Garden" program plans to distribute the fruits and vegetables harvested from the garden to those in the community who are in need. This act of generosity not only nourishes the bodies of the recipients but also nourishes the spirit of the young gardeners, instilling a sense of purpose and civic responsibility.The resilience and determination displayed by the young people working in the "We Got This Garden" on that rainy Saturday morning is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. By empowering youth, fostering connections, and cultivating a greener, more vibrant neighborhood, this program is making a lasting impact on the lives of those it touches.