Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
Family on boardwalk Join today and get outside at one of our 60+ wildlife sanctuaries.
A bumpy, tree-covered mountain in the background with a fresh cut field and sunflowers in the foreground.
Canoe Meadows, Pittsfield

Community Gardens at Canoe Meadows

The Canoe Meadows Community Garden in Pittsfield has been welcoming organic green thumbs to its 4.5-acre garden for more than 40 years. Several gardeners even describe it as "the most scenic location to plant a garden in Berkshire County."

The garden is adjacent to a 250-acre wildlife sanctuary and less than a mile from downtown Pittsfield on Williams Street. Gardeners work alongside singing Bobolinks, soaring American Kestrels, and stunning mountain views.

Community Garden Information

Raised bed in Canoe Meadows community garden

From May through October, approximately 100 gardeners grow their own vegetables, flowers, and herbs in our garden. At the beginning of the season, we offer a free workshop on organic gardening, including its benefits and practical tips. 

Community Volunteer Days are held at the opening and closing of the garden season to set up plots and install water lines. To ensure gardening opportunities are available to all members of the community, the Canoe Meadows Community Garden offers financial assistance for those in need to help cover membership and garden plot rental fees.

  • The garden plots measure 15 ft x 20 ft each.
  • Gardeners may rent multiple plots if they wish.
  • We also have 4 accessible raised bed gardens—please call or email us for more information. 
  • Gardeners have access to an onsite portable restroom that is cleaned weekly.
  • Shared garden equipment is not provided at this time—please let us know if you need assistance acquiring garden tools.

Requirements

  • Plots cost $35 to rent.
  • Gardeners must be current members of Mass Audubon.
  • All gardeners are required to sign a pledge committing to organic gardening practices.
  • New gardeners must attend a free organic gardening workshop.

How to Apply

Online registration for garden plots opens in April. If you would like to apply for financial assistance for a garden plot, please call 413-637-0320 or email us.

"When you work the soil with your hands, feel the sun and the wind on your face, listen to the birds, watch the butterflies, soak in the beauty of the fields and mountains, and then cut your flowers and eat your harvest, you are connected in the best way possible to all that is healthy and good in the world."
—Libby Herland (community gardener, advisory board member, trail volunteer)