Urban Roots: Garden Leadership Training

Urban Roots Community Garden Leadership Program

Keep Growing Detroit is excited to begin recruitment for the 2026 class of the Urban Roots Community Garden Training Program! This seven-week, hands-on course is perfect for community leaders eager to start and sustain a community garden in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck, or Highland Park. Whether you're just beginning to explore the idea of a community garden or are ready to bring neighbors together around an existing space, Urban Roots will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and plan needed to bring your vision to life.

Participants will learn about land acquisition, urban agriculture policy and permitting, community engagement, garden design and maintenance, and resource mobilization. Throughout the program, students will receive personalized coaching from KGD's knowledgeable Garden Development team as they develop a garden portfolio for their own project. Additionally, they will connect with Detroit's vibrant urban agriculture community, which includes more than 3,100 gardens and farms.

Application is due Friday, August 28th at 5pm. Class size is limited. Participants will be notified of acceptance by Friday, September 4th.

2026 Urban Roots Program Details

Urban Roots is hosted in person to give students the best experience. As weather permits, we will be outside as much as possible, so please plan to dress accordingly.

Classes will be held Saturdays, 10AM-2PM from September 19 to October 31 at Georgia Street Community Collective (GSCC) on the Eastside. A mandatory hands-on workday will take place during class 5.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

What role do community gardens play in our food system? Why do you want to start a community garden? Are you familiar with what’s already happening in the city? Open your eyes to the wide world of community gardens and the roles that they play in our community.
What do you envision your garden will achieve? Do your neighbors and community share that vision? Learn techniques to get people involved, ensure community support, and build effective leadership in your community garden.
We’ll dig in to considerations for how to choose a garden site and how to navigate land acquisition processes and urban agriculture policies in the city. We’ll also get hands-on practice with site assessment and creating a plot plan to support your garden development plans.
In this class, we’ll learn the basics of growing and tending vegetables as well as practical tips for successful maintenance. We’ll also explore what elements your garden might contain, such as raised beds, pathways, water catchment systems, signs and benches.
This workday will take place at the garden site of an Urban Roots Alumni and will give current students an opportunity to practice basic garden skills such as building a raised bed, establishing an in-ground bed, planting, and general fall garden maintenance.
Assess the needs of your garden and explore the options for making it happen! This class will explore the world of funding opportunities for community-based projects. We’ll learn to create a budget and the basics of searching for funding and putting together proposals to reach your goals.
Although class technically ends with graduation, KGD’s staff is committed to supporting Urban Roots Students though the winter and following spring to ensure you are ready for the upcoming growing season! Over the winter, you can expect support from KGD with your community organizing, garden design and development plans.