2021 American Community Gardening Association Conference

ACGA 2021 Conference celebrates community gardening

Love gardening? Believe communities grow stronger when we grow together? The American Community Gardening Association’s (ACGA) 2021 conference is just what you’re looking for! 

To keep everyone safe, ACGA is requiring all attendees to be vaccinated, and to show proof of vaccination. Please click here for details on our policy for keeping everyone safe and healthy while enjoying the conference.

To book accommodations in the host hotel, the most convenient place to stay, please visit The Landing at Hampton Marina (Tapestry Collection by Hilton). 

ACGA’s 2021 conference will take place in the historic coastal community of Hampton, Virginia. Events kick off with a garden ecology workshop on Thursday afternoon, September 23, conference registration, and an evening reception.

The main conference runs Friday, September 24  through Sunday, September 26, 2021. The focus is on community gardening, with educational workshops, garden tours, lively discussions, yummy food, and even a silent auction featuring unexpected treasures every garden needs.

Since 1979, ACGA’s annual conferences have brought together community gardening leaders from across North America and around the world to learn best practices, share great ideas, and celebrate with gardening friends old and new.

This year’s theme is “Gardening In Challenging Times.” The pandemic has shown how community gardens help people and neighborhoods cope with adversity. It's reminiscent of the Victory Gardens of WW2, and urban gardens that became islands of peace in neighborhoods torn by gang warfare in the 1980s. Presenters will explore this inspiring dimension of community gardening, including specific tips on how gardens can cope with COVID. Other diverse workshops will address more traditional topics, including eco-friendly food growing and eating; design, management, and policy for successful and sustainable gardens; fundraising; inclusion; and effective community-building strategies.

During the pandemic, ACGA created successful virtual conferences in 2020 (Los Angeles) After careful consideration, we opted for an in-person conference for vaccinated community gardeners only in Hampton.

Hampton and surrounding communities host thriving community gardens, and boast a long list of historic and outdoor attractions (did I mention the beach?) Registration and accommodations are very affordable. For full conference details, visit ACGA's conference webpage here: www.communitygarden.org.

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Iles: wendy.iles@hampton.gov

Fred Conrad: fred.conrad@communitygarden.org