Sustainability at DUG

Focus: building long-term fertility, reducing waste, nurturing microbial life

Examples:

• On-site composting through the Community Composter Training Program
• Sheet-mulching to build new garden beds
• Incorporating cover crops (e.g., clover, vetch) to prevent erosion
• Adding leaf mulch and woodchips to support fungal networks in food forests
• Soil test integration to avoid over-fertilizing
• Office and building composting

Focus: reducing water use and adapting to Colorado’s dry climate

Examples:

• Drip irrigation systems to ensure adequate and deep watering
• Mulching to retain moisture
• Rainwater harvesting systems where permitted
• Xeric and drought-tolerant plant selection

Focus: supporting pollinators, wildlife, and resilient ecosystems

Examples:

• Pollinator-friendly plantings like yarrow, bee balm, and milkweed
• Native shrubs & vines in food forests
• Companion planting for natural pest control
• Bird, bat, and beneficial insect habitat structures
• “No spray” organic pest-management guidelines

Focus: sustainability through community connection and shared responsibility

Examples:

• Garden Leader and Tree Keeper stewardship models
• Community volunteer workdays for bed building, mulching, and food forest installs
• Educational workshops on composting, waterwise gardening, and seed saving
• Youth education through school gardens
• Shared tools in partnership with Denver Tool Library to reduce resource duplication
• Hard-to-recycle plastic service through Ridwell

Focus: reducing waste and maximizing the life of materials

Examples:

• Reusing construction materials for garden beds and pathways

• Upcycled fencing, pallets, and barrels for infrastructure

• Seed/plant swaps between gardeners and the broader community

• DUG’s Second Chances program to distribute excess seedlings post-first frost for community gardens in need

• Community garden composting, which feeds back into the garden soil

• Produce sharing and donation through partners like Fresh Food Connect reduce food waste

Focus: protecting crops and soil as climate patterns shift

Examples:

• Season extension with cold frames and row covers

• Shade structures in heat-intensive gardens

• Planting perennial polycultures in food forests for long-term resilience

• Variety selection for heat and drought tolerance

• Deep-mulching to reduce temperature swings

Focus: strengthening local, equitable food supply networks

Examples:

• Food forest “pick what you need” open-harvest models

• Community fridges at partner hubs

• Supporting neighbors through sliding-scale (or free) plot fees

• Food waste reduction at DUG events in partnership with r.Cup and Scraps

Focus: sustainability includes equitable participation

Examples:

• ADA-accessible raised beds and pathways

• Multi-lingual signage in gardens and food forests

• Clear community agreements that promote shared care

• Gathering spaces that encourage cultural food traditions

• Tools and systems for shared conflict resolution

Focus: securing land, investing in future generations

Examples:

• Land leases and city partnerships that protect green space

• Food forest canopy layers planned ahead

• Ongoing leadership development for community autonomy

• Endowment and long-term maintenance funding

• Continual evaluation of garden health, infrastructure, and needs

DUG increases access to fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant food by supporting community gardens and food forests throughout Denver. By growing food close to home and sharing harvests within neighborhoods, we strengthen local food systems and reduce food insecurity.

Gardens are powerful spaces for healing and connection. DUG promotes physical activity, mental well-being, and improved nutrition through hands-on gardening, therapeutic garden programs, and welcoming green spaces that foster a sense of belonging.

DUG provides inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. Our training programs and workshops build skills in sustainable food production, composting, and land stewardship while supporting workforce development and lifelong learning.

We prioritize access to land, resources, and education for communities historically excluded from growing spaces. DUG centers community leadership, removes barriers to participation, and supports culturally responsive growing practices.

By transforming underutilized land into productive green spaces, DUG strengthens neighborhood resilience, increases urban green infrastructure, and builds connections among neighbors—making Denver a healthier, more sustainable city.

DUG promotes responsible food systems through composting, soil regeneration, seed saving, and education on sustainable growing practices. Our programs reduce waste while closing the loop between food, soil, and community.

Local food systems are climate solutions. DUG reduces food-related emissions, improves soil carbon storage, and supports climate-resilient growing practices that help communities adapt to a changing climate.

DUG collaborates with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and municipalities to amplify impact and advance shared sustainability goals.