Urban Agriculture
Locally grown food has sustained residents in Milwaukee County throughout its history. Our farmers are now more diverse in many ways. Even though growing space is considerably smaller, in these uncertain times growing your own food can provide quality produce, a sense of food security and family recreation. Results from our community gardening evaluation found that the safe haven of community gardens brings out the best in people. Gardening brings families together, provides food, and fosters community.
The Cooperative Extension gardening tradition started with garden plot rentals at the Milwaukee County Grounds in 1972. Our commitment and vision is to build new centers for urban agriculture. These centers will provide an opportunity for all people to gather and share information, plants and gardening strengths.
Urban Agriculture News 
Program Highlights
Rent a Garden
2011 is the 39th year that Extension has rented gardens in Milwaukee County. For urban residents who do not have a place to garden, the garden plot rental program provides an opportunity to grow nutritious food, save grocery money, enjoy some exercise and share family traditions. To learn more about renting a garden, visit the Garden Rental web site or contact the garden rental assistant at 414-256-4606 or garden.rentals@ces.uwex.edu.
Certified Beekeeping & the Urban Apiculture Institute
Milwaukee County UW-Extension & the Urban Apiculture Institute have started Wisconsin’s first Certified Beekeeper program. In 2008, we secured a permit for an apiary at the community gardens in Wauwatosa and conducted our first beekeeping class. To learn more, contact Linda Reynolds, 414-256-4652, or visit the Urban Apiculture Institute web page.
Organic MicroFarming
The Shoots n’ Roots Urban MicroFarm Training program teaches small scale vegetable growing, using research-based organic practices and results from the Organic Learning Center MicroFarm project. Participants learn organic methods to increase their food production on a small scale to supplement their family’s food budget or to begin farming businesses. For more information, visit the Organic MicroFarming web page.
Accessible Gardening
Since 1995, Extension Urban Agriculture staff have been teaching gardeners with physical and developmental limitations the joy and techniques of gardening. We train clients and caregivers at our innovative accessible demonstration garden and adjacent greenhouse. For more information about accessible gardening or to arrange a tour, contact Dennis Lukaszewski at 414-256-4650 or dennis.lukaszewski@ces.uwex.edu.
Project FEEDs
FEEDs, Food, Ecosystem, and Educational Demonstration sites, is working to make the community gardening movement stronger by building connections among gardeners. Extension staff conduct workshops to help people create and sustain community gardens. We enhance communication among gardeners through a website and email list-serve. To learn more, visit the FEEDs web site or contact Tracy Wasielewski at 414-256-4653 or tracy.wasielewski@ces.uwex.edu.
