Wishing you and yours the happiest of New Years! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and is feeling rested, refreshed and ready for a bountiful 2026.
As we round out our 40th year, things at DUG are humming.
DUG continues to provide the skills, access and resources to grow healthy food in community and regenerate urban green spaces. In addition, DUG:
- Is more sturdy, durable, and influential than ever, holding firm as the heart of hundreds of communities across metro Denver, while continuing to solidify its leadership role in the broader community garden movement
- Has zeroed in on our pillars and our purpose in today’s world – cultivating food, community & climate resilience on a human scale
- Has experienced significant and stable financial growth over the last five years while diversifying revenue – 2024 revenue was $4,400,000 vs $1,900,000 in 2020
- Is made up of a solid, highly collaborative team of 15 full-time, passionate experts, who in turn support DUG Corps members, garden leaders, tree keepers and community composters, along with 1,500 volunteers
- Has become a union shop
- Expanded the board of directors to 20, enhancing engagement and gaining access to important skills and expertise
- Recruited a nationally-recognized Advisory Council to inform strategy and innovation
- Has fully integrated transformational initiatives into the DUG “operating system” – Food Forests, Therapeutic Gardens, The Urban Garden Project, DUG Corps, the Baseline Infrastructure Initiative, Community Collaborators, the Garden/Food Forest Adoption Programs, JEDI training, leadership trainings, community-led workshops and the DUG Endowment.
Standing on solid ground, as DUG goes into its 41st year, further change is afoot. On December 31, I stepped down as Executive Director. With a happy heart and great pride in the exceptional organization that is Denver Urban Gardens, I feel that my personal mission with this organization is complete – it is time for new leadership to write the next chapter.
I’d like to thank DUG’s extraordinary founders, team, board, advisors, funders, partners, gardeners, garden leaders, tree keepers, volunteers, educators, students, and enthusiasts for the inspiration, support, and encouragement you’ve shown me in the last five years.
My time at DUG has been one of the most important experiences in my professional life – the people I’ve met, the things I’ve learned, and the work I’ve had the pleasure and honor of doing every day since October 2020. I remain fervently committed to DUG’s vision and mission and will be an enthusiastic evangelist for the organization.
Today, DUG’s mission is more critical than ever. We’ve risen to the challenges posed by COVID, the epidemic of loneliness, the climate crisis, and the changing federal funding landscape, staying true to our vision of a thriving urban future where people are deeply and directly connected to the earth, each other, and the food they eat. Undoubtedly, new, unforeseen challenges will present themselves in the years to come but I have complete confidence that the foundational, fundamental work DUG does will always be part of the solution.
I will continue to be involved in the urban agriculture space and invite each of you to keep in touch on LinkedIn, Instagram and email.
Last but not least, I’m over the moon to share that DUG’s Senior Director of Partnerships and 11-year DUG veteran, Nessa Mogharreban, has stepped in as Interim Executive Director as of January 1. The board will soon begin a search for the permanent ED. I will be supporting the transition through January.
With gratitude,
Linda Appel Lipsius
Former Executive Director, DUG
I’m deeply honored to step into the role of Interim Executive Director as we begin the search for DUG’s next permanent leader. Having been part of this organization for the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching DUG grow, evolve, and deepen its impact across Denver. Our gardeners, partners, volunteers, supporters, our staff, and board are what make DUG the powerful force it is today.
Linda’s leadership has shaped DUG in extraordinary ways, and we are incredibly grateful for her vision and dedication. Thanks to her work, and the work of so many of you, DUG is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally as a leader in community-driven food access, education, and climate-resilient green spaces.
As we move forward, one thing remains constant – DUG’s commitment to providing access, skills, and resources for people to grow healthy food in community and to regenerate urban green spaces. Our foundation is strong, our network is thriving, and our team is deeply dedicated to continuing the impactful work we do every day.
I’m excited to help guide DUG through this moment and ensure stability, continuity, and momentum as we look toward the future. Thank you, truly, for being part of the community that makes this work possible. I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you in the weeks and months ahead.
With gratitude,
Nessa Mogharreban
Interim Executive Director, DUG
For the past five years, Linda’s innovative leadership has strengthened DUG and positioned us for a bright future. Her vision and dedication have created a stable foundation for continued growth, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions.
We are equally excited to welcome Nessa as Interim Executive Director. With more than a decade of experience at DUG, she brings deep knowledge of our mission and operations. The Board is committed to supporting this transition and ensuring that the vital work of our staff and volunteers continues to contribute meaningfully in our community.
Best,
Jason Longsdorf
Board Chair, DUG
