The Macomb Community Garden idea came about in 2009 by a group of college students who wanted a place to garden. With the help of Western Illinois University professors Heather McIlvaine-Newsad, Joel Gruver and Rob Porter, the Macomb Community Garden was established in 2010. Since then, the mission of the Macomb Community Garden has been to provide gardening access and education to Macomb community members who are interested in learning to grow their own food in a community space.
Some gardners find it surprising just how much food they are able to grow for themselves.
“I’ve been growing produce at the Macomb Community Garden for two years and been amazed at the abundance of food we grow in shared plots. This past season I have STRUGGLED to harvest and eat all the tomatoes I’ve grown!” said 2025 Garden Member Abigial Nordstrom.
The garden located on East Wheeler Street is about much more than simply growing your own local food. Fostering a sense of connectedness and building relationships with neighbors is an important aspect of the Macomb Community Garden, and highly valued by its members. Garden Member Jimmy Rogers describes the garden’s goal as “not only to promote food sustainability but also to foster community resilience, reduce food insecurity, and offer a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds…. I’ve met people here I never would have crossed paths with. We swap tips, recipes, and extra cucumbers. It really feels like a little village.”
Whether you want to receive emails about family recipes, walk in the Heritage Days Parade to hand out seedlings, or just spend time mindfully weeding your own garden plot, the Macomb Community Garden would love to see you join our local food movement and get your hands in the soil. The first plot costs $20 and plots are free for college students and McDonough County Housing Authority residents. You can learn more at prairiehillsrcd.org/ macomb-community-garden or call 309-833-4747
