Building Social and Community Capital Through Gardening in Ypsilanti, MI

Abstract

Through their events, programming, and community partnerships, the Ypsilanti-­‐based non-­‐ profit organization Growing Hope has envisioned a future of increased local food production, access, and sovereignty. By engaging in participant-­‐observation in gardens and conducting interviews with staff, volunteers, and people involved in Growing Hope’s programming and activities, I have learned how social networks go far beyond the confines of Growing Hope’s programming. Communities, gardens, organizations, events, markets, fundraisers, and social gatherings create a network of support for local gardening and farming activities—or “civic agriculture”—in both urban and rural settings. This paper will be informed by a survey of current literature on the topics of urban agriculture, community gardening, and non-­‐profit involvement in urban and collective agriculture projects in the United States. I will use insights from the literature in combination with ethnographic research to assess strengths and gaps in Growing Hope’s vision, program implementation, and organization.