Greenzone Online

Denver Urban Gardens, that is.  DUG is a 23 year old nonprofit organization that works to create and maintain community gardens in the Denver Metro Area.  In addition, they have a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm at Delaney Farm in Aurora.  For those unfamiliar with the concept of CSA’s; they are farms that sell shares to members of the community, selling directly to the consumer and minimizing risk to the farmer.  Each year, a farm determines how many shares they can sell, and then divides the weekly harvest equally amongst all shareholders.  If it is a bumper crop, you get a huge share.  If the tomatoes get zapped, you get fewer tomatoes.  Many, though not all, are organic, including Delaney.  They are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, local, seasonal produce and support sustainable agriculture at the same time. 

This year, my family decided to invest in a full share from Delaney, as well as a fruit share.  Last night we attended the orientation meeting for shareholders.  Fantastic.  Starting on June 16, we will pick up produce once a week for about 16 weeks.  As part of our agreement, we will also contribute 5 hours per month of work at the farm; laboring in the garden, supervising pick-up, or helping with administrative matters.  This keeps costs down, ensures that all of the work gets done, and helps build a sense of community amongst shareholders, DUG employees, and interns.  They also offer free classes to shareholders, such as beekeeping, composting and canning, among many others.  Oh, and I didn’t mention the fruit share.  Supplied by Ela Family Farms, a 100 year old Western Slope fruit grower, and beginning in mid summer, we’ll get between 5 and 20 pounds of succulent Colorado fruit, including cherries, peaches, apples, pears, and plums. 

Bottom line, this is a great deal.  You get the highest quality produce you could possibly find, at a reasonable price; organic, local and sustainable.  You support community food solutions.  You get to meet and work with great people.  This is a prime example that green living can be fun and economical- contrary to the popular notion that environmentalists are serious, sky-is-falling downers.

 Delaney has sold all 2008 shares, but check back at the end of the season to inquire about shares for 2009.  Delaney is the only CSA in the Denver area, but there are others along the Front Range.

For more info on CSA’s, and to search for one near you, click here.