The idea of the Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center was spearheaded in 1999 by a group of tenacious residents of Elk Grove. With the help of the Cosumnes CSD in 2001, they found a 1.13 acre, weed infested, irregular parcel at Hampton Oak Drive and Iron Rock Way in east Elk Grove. The property was donated to the City of Elk Grove by then developer Lennar Communities. In 2004, the City leased the property to the Elk Grove Food Bank.
The vision of the garden was to provide plots where gardeners and their families could grow flowers and vegetables while cultivating relationships with one another. The garden would also become a learning center where people could meet, share information and be involved at a grassroots level. The garden also offers regular gardening classes to the community taught by Master Gardeners and other knowledgeable volunteers. EGCG classes explore many aspects of organic gardening such as pollinators, mulching, irrigation, composting, California natives in the landscape, herbs, vermi-composting, edibles in the landscape, beginning gardening, and much more.
In 2006 the garden was installed including 80 redwood 4x 16 beds, perimeter fencing and an irrigation system to serve them. This was accomplished through generous contributions of volunteer time, donations and grants from local businesses, churches, nurseries, Boy Scouts, Cosumnes CSD, Elk Grove Food Bank and the City of Elk Grove, and many others. In addition, the city and Republic Services partnered to provide free compost and classes on composting.
The site has become a thriving Community Garden. In 2009 the Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center became its own 501 (c)(3) public non-profit organization under the direction of a board of volunteers. It rents out 81 raised bed plots, ten of which were been built by Eagle Scouts to accommodate disabled gardeners. Volunteers and UC Davis Master Gardeners also care for a fruit, berry, grape and citrus orchard, herb garden, rose garden, perennial garden, and children’s garden. And although the garden is no longer under the umbrella of the Elk Grove Food Bank, produce from the garden is donated to the food bank.
Building community and being a demonstration site for gardening and sustainable living was a major goal of the original volunteers. Free or low-cost gardening classes are provided throughout the year. The most recent addition to the garden is the perimeter demonstration landscape which showcases UC Davis Arboretum All-Star plants. Designed by Soleil Tranquilli of Tranquill Gardens and installed by local volunteers, it provides a resource for homeowners and landscape professionals to view a variety of plants suitable for our local climate that are both ecofriendly and water-wise selections.
THE MISSION OF THE ELK GROVE COMMUNITY GARDEN AND LEARNING CENTER
The mission of the Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center is to teach residents how to grow healthy food for families and community members; to demonstrate ecologically sound gardening and landscaping techniques; to promote community identity and cooperation; and to provide thousands of pounds of fresh produce to the Elk Grove Food Bank.
The Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center is a thriving community that brings joy and peace to garden members and visitors. In order to provide the best possible experience for all income levels, we keep costs low (there is no paid staff) but still need to replace and repair garden plots, update equipment, and pay for electricity, water, a porta potty, and many other items necessary to run a community garden. Besides basic monthly expenses and plot repair needs, we are also in need of a small utility vehicle that will help transport compost, mulch, lumber, and other items from one end of the community garden to the other.
Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center
Statement of Financial Position
As of February 19, 2026
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash on Hand $500.00
Golden 1 Checking $2,331.21
Golden 1 Savings $5,006.42
PayPal $265.58
Venmo $300.00
Total Current Assets $8,403.21
TOTAL ASSETS $8,403.21
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities $0.00
Equity
Unrestricted Net Assets $15,609.84
Accumulated Net Income $(5,803.59)
This Period Income (Loss) $(1,403.04)
Total Equity $8,403.21
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $8,403.21
Organization name
Elk Grove Community Garden and Learning Center
2002
Mission Category
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition
Operating Budget
$0-$50,000
Organization Need
Funding: Other, Volunteers, Technology, Funding: Unrestricted
Demographics Served
General population
Local Counties Served
Sacramento
Address
10025 HAMPTON OAK DRElk Grove, CA, US
Sacramento County, CA, US