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Conservation Nebraska (2024) Print
2024 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Community Gardens
└ Community Gardens
Two Omaha neighborhoods lacked access to fresh produce and safe outdoor spaces, leaving older adults with few options to garden or connect. Conservation Nebraska built eight raised garden beds and four benches from recycled plastic lumber, making gardening accessible and sustainable. Five community events and 36 volunteers, including many age 50-plus, helped transform vacant lots into vibrant spaces. These improvements will last for years, promoting health and reducing isolation by giving older adults a place to grow food and build relationships.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Grand Rapids, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: Long Michigan winters left older adults at Reflections Apartments isolated and unable to garden, a key source of connection and activity. Dwelling Place built an ADA-compliant greenhouse through five volunteer events, engaging many community members and local partners. The space extends the growing season and supports a seed-starting program led by residents. Older adults now plan to grow culturally relevant vegetables and share stories tied to gardening traditions, turning the greenhouse into a year-round hub for wellness and social connection.
Phoenix, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project created waist-high, raised-bed planters for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul's urban farm. Designed to hold up in the Arizona sun and heat, the raised beds sit at the farm's entrance. Project organizers also planted shade trees and installed benches to better serve the garden's older adult volunteers and people with disabilities. A new chalk board also helps remind garden volunteers about progress on day-to-day tasks. Project organizers report that since the upgrades, many older volunteers have renewed interest in working in the garden.
Lawton, OK
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: This project will create a community garden where Comanche elders can grow vegetables and flowers. Participating gardeners will plan, tend and harvest their plots and distribute their produce to the community.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: ADUs tiny homes missing middle and manufactured housing
Description: The OurStory housing system will introduce small, aging-ready homes for people age 50-plus in Nebraska. The project includes two design variations and will support an architectural internship program and public education.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: To activate a city-owned vacant lot in North Omaha, the City of Omaha installed accessible planters -- built by a local community gardening organization -- that accommodate gardening from a standing or sitting position. A local artist worked with local elementary school children, helping them create murals depicting their aspirations. In addition, the project included a community chalk wall, where residents can leave inspiring messages. To improve a nearby bus stop, the City purchased installed benches. The art and new outdoor furnishings were in pace in time for a fall festival at the site, which organizers hope will occur annually.
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