Dakota County Parks

The Community Learning Garden program offers a meaningful, hands-on opportunity for individuals and groups to support local food access, environmental stewardships and community education. Volunteers work alongside Dakota County Parks staff and fellow community members to grow organic produce and work in maintaining a welcoming, healthy gardening space for learning and connection. Produce that is harvested is donated to The Open Door Food Pantry in Eagan.

Adopt-a-Plot Volunteers take responsibility for planning, planting and maintaining a designated 4’x18’ garden plot for the full growing season (May-October). This role offers a deeper level of engagement and learning while directly contributing to food access efforts. Garden plot holders may take home samples of their produce for personal use, but the majority of the produce will be donated to The Open Door Food Pantry. Adopt-a-Plot roles require volunteers to work independently.

Location

Spring Lake Park Reserve

8395 127th St. E.​
Hastings, MN 55033

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, plant, water, weed, and maintain an assigned garden plot.
• Tend the plot regularly throughout the season (recommended at least once per week).
• Option to help harvest produce and assist with donation efforts as directed.
• Participate in required training/onboarding and follow organic gardening guidelines.
• Communicate with Parks staff regarding plot progress or challenges.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Interest in gardening, food systems, and environmental stewardship.
• Experience with organic gardening practices.
• Ability to commit to the full growing season.
• Self-motivated and responsible for independent plot care.

Program Requirements

• Regular standing and walking on uneven ground.
• Regular bending, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.
• Repetitive hand movements for tasks such as weeding and harvesting.
• Assist with routine watering, weeding, and other garden maintenance.
• Help harvest produce and prepare it for donation.
• Monitor plant health and report issues such as pests or disease to staff.
• Assist with planting seeds and plant starts as directed.
• Support Adopt-a-Plot gardeners and Parks staff as needed.
• Lifting and carrying watering cans, produce, or tools (up to 25 lbs.).
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions including sun, heat, wind, and rain.
• Must be 16 years old or older.
• Must complete a background check through Dakota County. 

Benefits & Community Impact

• Make a direct impact by helping grow healthy food for the community.
• Increases the amount of fresh, organic produce available for donation.
• Learn sustainable growing and organic gardening skills.
• Enjoy time outdoors while staying active and connected to nature.
• Ensures consistent care of shared garden spaces.
• Supports a resilient and sustainable community food system.
• Builds strong relationships between volunteers, staff, and community members.

Training

Tools, supplies, and guidance are provided. Volunteers will be supported by Parks staff throughout the season.

Activity Level 

Active -Will involve varying amounts of activity including walking, standing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and lifting. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended. Volunteers will be outdoors and exposed to weather elements such as sun, heat, cold, wind, and rain.