PDX Storybook Garden
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About the Garden
Nikki Sandoval has been the dedicated creative community garden director since 2021, nurturing a vibrant children's garden. This garden serves as a unique and focused experience for BIPOC children to experience and develop a love for gardening, arts, and the outdoors. Under her leadership, the garden features a registered "free little library," seasonal camps, and serves as a central hub in NE Portland for fostering children's literacy and community enrichment.
(Mural artist is Robin Corbo)
History
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PDX Storybook Garden, formally known as Emerson Street Garden, is a narrow city lot located in Portland on NE Emerson Street. Once the site of a residence, the house burned in a fire and the soil became lead contaminated as a result. Multnomah County donated this site to OSALT in 2008 to restore the site and turn it into a community asset.
Upon receiving the property, one of OSALT’s initial goals was to remedy the lead soil contamination. At first, metal absorbing plants were grown in the soil in an effort to draw out this contamination, to limited success.
It was then determined that the safest way to be able to grow food here for consumption was to mechanically remove the contaminated soil and replace it with a soil compost blend. This effort was completed in 2012 through the organization Groundworks.
The site has since served as a garden for the community ever since, made accessible to neighbors for gardening and related events and celebrations.
Ways to Get Involved
Community support is vital for fostering a thriving environment for PDX Storybook Garden. By volunteering to weed, water, plant, and assist with seasonal projects, you can contribute to the beauty and sustainability of our space. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant community that reflects our commitment to care and collaboration. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete the form below and we will be in touch!
In Loving Memory of Michael D. McKinney III (1995-2025)
Donate
Join us in nurturing our community by supporting our garden improvement and enrichment programs! Your donation will help create a vibrant space where everyone can learn, grow, and connect. Together, we can cultivate not just plants, but friendships and skills that enrich our lives. Every contribution makes difference—let's blossom together!
Looking to Host an Event?
Looking to host an unforgettable event in a beautiful garden setting? PDX Storybook Garden is the perfect venue for any occasion, from weddings to corporate gatherings. Submit your inquiry below and let us help you create a memorable experience!