From Berries to Beans: Urban Gardening in Lawrence, MA

On Monday, June 11, the 20 AmeriCorps MassLIFT (Massachusetts Land Initiative for Tomorrow) Volunteers serving with various conservation agencies and watershed associations across the state of MA met for a training at Groundwork Lawrence. This non-profit organization, located in a restored mill building reminiscent of the city's industrial days, is dedicated to building a healthy community and helping Lawrence residents improve their quality of life.


The mission of the organization is “to bring about the sustained regeneration, improvement and management of the physical environment by developing community-based partnerships which empower people, businesses and organizations to promote environmental, economic and social well-being.”


Included in the training was a tour of nearby community gardens, a skate park, and a school garden.

Picking strawberries from Abby's community garden plot.

Abby and Josh, the 2 AmeriCorps MassLIFT Volunteers serving at Groundwork Lawrence, led the tour, letting us taste fresh strawberries while teaching us about the challenges and benefits of urban gardening. The challenges include issues such as soil contamination and produce theft, while the benefits range from opportunities for community building and increased access to nutritious food.

A field of beans growing in the middle of the city.

The Merrimack River, flowing through Lawrence.

Groundwork Lawrence is part of the larger Groundwork USA and Groundwork UK programs. To learn how Groundwork is making change around the world, visit: http://groundworkusa.org/