The Organization
Gate City Community Gardens is a program of Great American Downtown Inc, a 501c3 non profit, with a mission centered around economic and cultural vibrancy in Downtown Nashua, NH. The program involves an educations series, and the management of The Nashua Heritage Rail Trail Community Garden – a 12 bed community garden which was established in 2013 by a group of dedicated volunteers. The garden is located in the Tree Streets neighborhood area of Nashua within short walking distance to Downtown city amenities.
Garden Goals
Through the community garden program, we seek to increase the amount of active green space in our Downtown neighborhoods, and provide an opportunity for residents, employees of Downtown businesses, and Downtown service groups, to have a garden close to their home, work place, or programs. The community garden is a huge asset to the community and is placed purposefully on this very busy rail trail through the center of the city. One cannot be at the community garden without passerbys commenting on how beautiful the garden has become, or how happy they are that it is there. There is a minimum of 3 Work Days each growing season, where gardeners, groups, and/or the public can volunteer to clean up the trail and work on projects at the garden. The first of the 2017 work days will be coordinated with the Downtown Nashua Pride Parks Cleanup Day, on April 22nd. Whether you are a gardener, or simply wish to serve the community – you are welcome to join in. Please come out and get your hands dirty with us!
A Vision For Growth
Great American Downtown has a vision for gradual growth of community garden facilities in Downtown neighborhoods. In 2017, with the support of the United Way of Greater Nashua, New Sky Productions, and many many volunteers – we will double the size of the Heritage Rail Trail Community Garden! We are seeking additional support to make this program possible: if you would like to make a donation, or participate in a custom sponsorship to support this effort – please contact Executive Director Paul Shea here.
Gate City Community Gardens
Wants YOU!
We are excited to announce that Great American Downtown has just been granted an 11,000 square foot lease expansion from the City of Nashua to allow for extensive permaculture planting and even more raised beds along the Heritage Rail Trail in 2018!
Check out these other community gardening programs!
Grow Nashua
Grow Nashua is growing urban vegetable farms for the families of Nashua and using this common ground to empower people to strengthen their own community relationships. Through strong collaborations with over 20 organizations we are providing education and developing community and school gardens that will help improve food awareness and food access for everyone in our city.
Victory Garden
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department sponsors a 50-plot community garden at Greeley Park, which has been harvested since the Great Depression. These days, the department tills the earth and supplies water, but growers are responsible for the rest, including the $20 fee. Contact the department at 589-3360 for more information on becoming a Victory gardener.
Regenerative Roots
Regenerative Roots Association works with Sullivan Farms as a vendor at the Nashua Farmer’s Market. The overall mission of the Regenerative Roots Associations is to establish thriving communities using regenerative methods that are unique tailored to their situation. This will be done through the research and implementation of sustainable farming techniques, educational programs, charitable endeavors, and environmental preservation practices which promote the efficient use and conservation of natural resources.
Nashua Garden Club
The Club’s mission is to encourage its members to fully involve themselves in learning about and participating in the many and varied aspects of horticulture, landscape design, floral design, and the civic beautification of our community.