August 21 meeting will help shape future improvements and grant applications for the new community garden
By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Sacramento County residents are being invited to help shape the future of the new Community Garden at Gibson Ranch Regional Park during a drop-in community meeting Friday, August 21.
The meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the garden inside Gibson Ranch. Residents can stop by at any time during the three-hour meeting to tour the space, offer suggestions and discuss improvements they would like the county to pursue through future grant applications.
The garden is one of the newest additions to the 355-acre regional park, bringing space for residents to grow fresh produce while building a community centered on gardening, sustainability and shared stewardship.
Because Gibson Ranch is located just outside Rio Linda and Elverta, the project offers local families access to a community garden without traveling into Sacramento.
More Than Individual Garden Plots
The project includes 48 standard garden plots measuring approximately 20 feet by 20 feet, along with four raised accessible plots measuring about 7½ feet by 20 feet.
Gardeners can use their plots to grow vegetables, herbs and edible flowers. All gardening must follow organic practices, meaning synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are prohibited.
An adjoining “food forest” will eventually include fruit-bearing trees and native edible plants maintained for community use. Sacramento County Regional Parks says the first trees have already been planted, with additional plantings planned as the project develops.
Participants are responsible for more than their individual plots. Gardeners are also expected to assist with the upkeep of common areas, pathways and the food forest, creating a shared-care model intended to keep the garden productive and sustainable.
Future plans include volunteer workdays and the possible formation of a garden advisory committee.
Registration Now Open
Garden plots are available primarily to Sacramento County residents. Non-county residents may participate if space remains available.
Before applying, prospective gardeners must review and agree to the county’s Community Garden and Food Forest guidelines, including the organic-growing requirements and shared maintenance responsibilities.
Applications and payments can be submitted through Sacramento County’s online recreation registration platform.
The garden is available during regular park hours. Gibson Ranch is currently open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk. The standard vehicle entrance fee is $8.
How to Offer Feedback
Residents who cannot attend the August 21 meeting can submit suggestions by emailing [email protected]. Emails should specifically reference the Gibson Ranch Community Garden project.
Additional information about the garden, registration and future activities is available through the Sacramento County Regional Parks website.
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