4 The Soil
- Aug 29
- 2 min read

Explore The People's Garden Initiative in Richmond, VA

A tour guide giving a group information about the garden initiative. — Tour of Gilpin Community Garden by Kinfolk Community RVA.

The People’s Garden Initiative is #4theSoil, for the community!

"The simple act of planting a garden can have big impacts – from building a more diverse and resilient local food system to empowering communities to address issues like nutrition access and climate change," states the project's website.

On August 13, the Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) enjoyed a tour of the People’s Garden Initiative in Richmond, Virginia. About 15 NRCS staff and conservation partners visited six of the 37 gardens that are involved in the initiative: Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School, Gilpin Community Farm, Frances McClenney Elementary School, Hillside Micro Farm, Richmond Grows Gardens, and Sankofa Community Orchard.

A person stands beside a garden bed for pollinators. — A tour of the pollinator garden at Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School.

Nonprofit leaders and partners who lead the garden programs shared how they spearhead educational, environmental, and social justice work in their communities. Learn more about each garden site by clicking on their website or social channels below!

Two bins on wheels beside a compost pile beside an open air tent and brick building. — Composting area at Cornerstone Farm at Fairfield Middle School.

Richmond is one of the cities the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) chose to have Flagship People’s Gardens. NRCS Virginia has supported 37 gardens throughout the region as part of their broader urban agriculture initiative.

The People's Garden Initiative is one way for communities to get involved in urban, small-scale, and innovative agriculture. Learn about more opportunities on the USDA's Urban Agriculture page.