A Co-Op Garden supporting the Lake Norman Food Mission in Lincoln County, North Carolina
12 May 2025 – The Community Garden is now open to registered volunteers from 9:00am – 11:00am every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. If you’re not registered, please complete a Volunteer Application.
Sally’s YMCA, the sponsor for the the E. Lincoln Community Garden (ELCG), came under new ownership by the Catawba Valley YMCA (CVYMCA) organization in the Fall of 2024. As part of reviewing all of Sally’s YMCA programs, collaborative discussions focused on the Community Garden − its aging infrastructure and how the garden serves the community. Based on garden history, a renewed vision for the ELCG in 2025 was presented with two revised mission areas: (1) changing from personal use individual garden bed leases to a cooperative garden supporting the Lake Norman Food Mission, and (2) an educational garden venue for YMCA youth groups, local school students, Extension 4-H, Scouts, and other educational partnerships.
To help achieve these goals, Catawba Valley YMCA provided funding for long-overdue infrastructure improvements. Projects are now 95% complete. We are grateful for the CVYMCA organization’s vision and support!
WHEN WE’RE OPEN TO VOLUNTEERS – 9:00am – 11:00am every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The Garden Manager and/or Extension Master GardenersSM will be there to offer guidance and assistance so you get the most out of your volunteer time. In the event of rain or other inclement weather, the garden will be closed.
Fifty VegoGarden® 4’W x 12’L raised garden beds are in use. Annual soil testing is performed by Extension Master Gardeners; Lab analysis completed by the NC Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Soil is treated by the Garden Manager based on soil test results.
Garden amenities – Timed drip irrigation provided to each bed. Hoses on site for supplemental watering, tool cleaning, and personal hygiene. Common garden tools available for gardener use, secured in the on-site tool shed.
A dedicated ELCG Garden Management Team – available to guide and educate volunteers; troubleshoot and correct problems as the occur.
If you’re an avid gardener, someone wanting to improve your gardening skills, or just find enjoyment being outdoors in a garden environment with like-minded friends and neighbors, we hope you’ll join our ELCG Community Garden Group as a volunteer gardener! You’ll not only be an active participant in growing fresh fruits and vegetables, but will also make a positive contribution supporting the Lake Norman Food Mission right here in Denver, NC. Whether you contribute a few hours a month or volunteer on a weekly basis, the more hours you participate means you’ll be able to take home and enjoy a share of the harvest. Volunteer participation is at your discretion based on your personal availability and schedule.
You’ll receive in-the-garden guidance and task-direction from the Garden Manager, Garden Management Team, and Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers so you have a positive learning experience, building confidence in your gardening abilities.
In 2011, a group of dedicated Lincoln County residents saw the value and need for establishing a place to bring people with a common interest together − a community garden. They invested weeks, months, and years of sweat equity to build the garden from the ground up to what it is today. Through 2024, the garden hosted beginner and experienced gardeners alike, growing favorite fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Produce was enjoyed by the gardeners and their families. An excess portion of produce went to local agencies maintaining food distribution capabilities for County residents in need. More recently, the community garden became and educational venue for school groups, YMCA Summer Camp youth, Scouts, and new Extension Master GardenerSM students and interns. Over the years, Lincoln County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers were also integral to creating and improving the garden infrastructure and serving the needs of its gardeners as educators.
