On Saturday, Sept. 12th, The Giving Gardens hosted a fun and educational garden scavenger hunt, inviting community members to explore all nine of their public-access gardens across Macomb, Bushnell, and Colchester, Illinois. The event brought together people of all ages and highlighted The Giving Gardens as a local resource for everyone to enjoy.
Participants ventured from garden to garden, where they met staff and volunteers, searched for specific crops and hidden items, and ended the scavenger hunt at the First Presbyterian Church garden to receive a prize and connect with fellow participants. Prizes included mushroom logs, onion braids, t-shirts, harvest baskets, hot pepper bundles, and fresh garden salsa.
“We were surprised and so grateful for how many people showed up - and better yet, that everyone really enjoyed themselves,” said Whitney Fowler, AmeriCorps Service Member with The Giving Gardens and lead organizer of the event. “The scavenger hunt was the perfect way to introduce people to gardens they hadn’t visited before, teach them about the crops we grow, and connect with our team in a fun, engaging way.”
In addition to scavenging around the gardens, participants asked questions about The Giving Gardens’ growing techniques, inquired about volunteer opportunities, interacted with other garden enthusiasts, and shared their appreciation for the movement.
“The feedback we received was heartwarming,” Fowler added. “One woman told me that the gardens are her favorite part of Macomb, and that she visits them regularly to harvest our vegetables, flowers, berries, and herbs. It’s so rewarding to know that we’re making a positive impact in these communities.”
Th e Giving Gardens mission is to strengthen communities by providing access to gardens in every neighborhood.
