The Iowa Donation Garden Network, a statewide initiative designed to connect and empower garden organizers through expert-led education, shared resources and collaborative programming, is accepting applications for the 2027 growing season. Interested community garden organizers are encouraged to register for 2027 membership by Dec. 31.
Led by the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program, in collaboration with Iowa Total Care, IDGN launched in 2025 to offer statewide support for community gardens that grow and donate produce. The network strengthens garden organizers’ capacity to grow nutritious food, engage volunteers and serve their communities with purpose and resilience.
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In 2026, leaders from 59 community donation gardens in 43 Iowa counties joined the network. Seventy-six percent reported gaining new knowledge and 71% reported implementing new practices because of their involvement in the network.
“The program generally helped us become more organized and have a better idea of what we were accomplishing,” one garden leader said. “The educational portion of the Zoom meetings was really helpful, and the toolkit was a valuable tool.”
Membership in the network includes access to quarterly educational virtual meetings, a comprehensive donation garden toolkit, signage and posters for member gardens and inclusion in a statewide garden map and annual impact report. Members also gain access to a closed online community for peer-to-peer support and idea exchange.
Thanks to a generous donation from Iowa Total Care, memberships for 2027 are offered at no cost.
“The work of donation garden leaders and volunteers is essential to the health and well-being of communities across Iowa. Their dedication to growing and sharing fresh food deserves meaningful support,” said Alicia Herzog, Master Gardener program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach, who leads the network. “Through the Iowa Donation Garden Network, ISU Extension and Outreach is proud to strengthen connections, provide educational resources and empower these resilient leaders as they continue their vital service.”
Gardens interested in joining the network can learn more and register at the Iowa Donation Garden Network webpage.
For more information, contact mgardener@iastate.edu.
