In their third year, the Auburn Community Gardens have expanded to a third site.

A second set of raised garden beds for individual gardening opened earlier this year in the backyard at Cooper House, owned by Pam Bennett. The garden was dedicated in early June.
At the dedication, the Rev. Fred Richart of First United Methodist Church, Auburn, said that Bennett believed in sharing, had the space and wanted to share it with her neighbors.
The other site for individual gardens is at 15th and M Street. Lord’s Acre, a one acre mission garden, is at the Craig and Gina Long acreage north of Auburn.
The gardens are open to all who are interested in gardening as an outreach to the community, said members of the Green Team at First United Methodist Church, Auburn. The project also addresses the issue of hunger and environmental stewardship.
Members of the Green Team said that the gardens have been successful and are self-sustaining financially. Purpose of the Auburn Community Gardens is to promote healthy eating and community relationships, Green Team members said.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with the Auburn Community Gardens should contact any Green Team member. Members are: Teresa Fletcher, chair; Dave Fletcher; Tom and Sherry Black; Nate and Kim Beger; Rich and Deb Clopton; Dave and Virginia Pippert; Craig and Gina Long; Dr. Jeff Meade and Shannon Stemm and Peggy Kuhl.
Tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, squash, beans and peas are grown at the individual gardens. Corn, potatoes and pumpkins are grown at Lord’s Acre.
Half of the produce grown at Lord’s Acre is given away. Produce is sold at the church parking lot Tuesday afternoons and at the Farmers Market on the Nemaha County Fairgrounds Saturday mornings. All involved with the garden are volunteers. Volunteers meet at the garden three nights weekly to harvest and do necessary maintenance.
“Our citizens are getting out using healthy, environmentally friendly food while interacting with their neighbors. There really are so many benefits this project touches that some might flippantly dismiss but it really addresses so many problems with our society,” said Auburn Mayor Scott Kudrna.