Denver Urban Gardens

Denver Urban Gardens, commonly known as DUG, is a Colorado nonprofit focused on cultivating food, community, and climate resilience through a large network of food-producing gardens and food forests. The organization describes itself as one of the largest independent networks of food-producing gardens in the country, stewarding 200 community gardens and food forests across seven counties in metro Denver. That scale, combined with its stated mission to increase access, skills, and resources needed to grow food in the community and regenerate urban green spaces, gives DUG an important role in the regional gardening and horticulture landscape.

DUG’s work extends beyond maintaining garden spaces. Its programs include community gardens, food forests, food access initiatives, seed distribution, culturally inclusive seeds, educational classes, workshops, trainings, youth programs, composting resources, and gardening articles tailored to the Colorado Front Range. The organization also highlights therapeutic gardens, food forestry training, and leadership resources, reflecting a broad commitment to practical gardening education, community-based food growing, and long-term urban sustainability. Through these offerings, DUG connects horticulture with food sovereignty, environmental stewardship, and the shared use of green space.

For gardeners, plant enthusiasts, community leaders, and residents interested in sustainable outdoor living, DUG serves as both a practical resource and a community-centered model for growing food in urban environments. Its combination of gardens, education, and public programs helps people develop gardening skills, access useful seasonal guidance, and participate in greener, healthier neighborhoods. In that role, DUG supports not only plant cultivation but also the broader relationship between gardening, community well-being, and climate-responsive urban landscapes.