Get out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend with a bike ride through St. Louis community gardens. On Saturday, June 2, Gateway Greening is hosting a 10.5-mile trek called Tour de Plants to highlight the city’s local food efforts.
The ride departs and ends at Bell Demonstration Garden at 3871 Bell. Bikers will follow Bike St. Louis routes, winding through the Garden Ville, Center for Hope, Mayberry, McPherson, and Greenleaf community gardens.
Not a biker? You can still stop by Bell Garden between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for lunch from Lulu’s Local Eatery and to learn more about the thriving local food movement. Lulu’s, a “living food truck,” serves up wholesome, sustainable food like sweet potato falafel, Mexican quinoa bowl, and berry smoothies made from produce grown from its rooftop garden.
Originally called Gateway to Gardening, Gateway Greening was founded by two women in 1984 as a way to increase fresh food options and utilize vacant lots throughout the city. Since then, Gateway Greening has partnered with Missouri Botanical Gardens and expanded its programming into city schools. The nonprofit organization is committed to making fresh, local food accessible in inner-city neighborhoods. Today, it supports more than 200 gardens throughout the St. Louis area.
Cyclist can register for the tour 8:30 to 9 a.m. at Bell Demonstration Garden; the group ride leaves at 9 a.m. For more information, visit gatewaygreening.org.
