Pilgrim Community Garden
Thirteen years ago, members of the Historic Pilgrim Baptist Church in St. Paul set out to find new use for underappreciated private land. With a mission to build a community around growing food and flowers, they launched the Pilgrim Community Garden. Over time, it became a place where neighbors learn gardening techniques, swap recipes and share fresh vegetables, improving lives and encouraging healthy eating for both church members and the broader community.
Now, they have taken a new step with the creation of a Mini-Forest-Green Screen next to the existing garden. This project is the result of two years of planning by a wide coalition. Renewing the Countryside, Urban Farm and Garden Alliance, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forestry, University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering’s Engineers Without Borders chapter, Maxfield Elementary’s fifth graders and staff, Great River Greening, Climate Corps and Ramsey County Master Gardeners have all helped to make this vision a reality. Funded through the U.S. Forest Service and managed by the DNR, the forest uses the Miyawaki Method, a process of restoring soil and planting dense, diverse native species to quickly form a canopy.
In upcoming years, this small patch of woodland—roughly the size of five parking spaces—will offer shade, cleaner air, habitat for pollinators and a quiet spot for neighbors to enjoy. The garden continues to grow with a rainwater catchment system, compost area, accessible paths and raised beds for seniors. Through it all, Pilgrim Baptist Church remains dedicated to promoting health, connection and care for the environment right in the heart of the city.