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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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Deming, NM
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A shaded, accessible outdoor garden featuring raised beds, seating, irrigation and connected walkways will be created at the local Senior Center. This space will support light physical activity, gardening and social interaction for older adults.
Richmond, VA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: The Greater Richmond Age Wave Coalition hoped to beautify the Green Park neighborhood and foster relationships between neighbors. To do this, the nonprofit worked to provide community gardening opportunities to residents. To allow older adults to grow produce at home, the nonprofit built 25 garden boxes. Additionally, they created an outdoor courtyard space with raised garden beds at Highland Park Apartments. The Coalition hired local youth to construct and deliver the self-water boxes. The Coalition also held two community gardening events. To help people participate, they offset a portion of public transportation fares for attendees. The Age Wave Coalition's gardening efforts operate under the talent-sharing model, which connects experienced gardeners with people interested learning more about growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
Windsor Locks, CT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Community Gardens
Description: A paved alley between the adult center and the housing authority offered no greenery or seating, leaving residents without a welcoming outdoor space. The town converted the area into a vibrant patio with raised garden beds, ADA-compliant tables, bistro lights and decorative fencing. Older adults quickly began using the space for meals and conversation, and plans for a garden club and workshops are underway. The project has paved the way to creating a hub for social connection and intergenerational activities.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Public safety interventions
Description: Monthly neighborhood clean-up events will provide tools, dumpsters and organized routes for trash removal. Cleaner streets will improve walkability and safety while giving residents, including adults age 50-plus, chances to connect and contribute.
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: ADUs, tiny homes, missing middle and manufactured housing
Description: Partners for Livable Omaha responded to a shortage of practical, aging-ready housing that made it hard for older adults to stay in their communities. The team advanced a small-house system designed to be accessible, buildable and useful for emerging developers. They hosted a design exhibition, launched a public catalog and website, began construction on two small houses and trained dozens of architecture students and interns who helped expand the design library. The effort prompted builders and developers to explore energy-efficient designs that ease daily living. One student said they gained "meaningful skills development... and better understand how projects move from concept to construction," reflecting how the project strengthened the future workforce.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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