About UrbanGreen
Transforming urban spaces into thriving green sanctuaries
Our Story
UrbanGreen began in 2019 when our founders, passionate about sustainable living, noticed the growing disconnect between urban dwellers and fresh food sources. Living in downtown Portland, they experienced firsthand the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while being surrounded by concrete and limited green spaces.
What started as a small community workshop teaching neighbors how to grow herbs on windowsills quickly evolved into a comprehensive urban gardening movement. Our founders realized that with the right knowledge and techniques, any urban space - no matter how small - could become a productive garden that provides fresh, organic produce year-round.
Today, we've helped thousands of urban residents transform their balconies, rooftops, and indoor spaces into thriving gardens. Our approach combines traditional gardening wisdom with modern sustainable practices, creating solutions that work specifically for city environments.
From our humble beginnings in a shared community space, we've grown into Portland's leading urban gardening resource, but our mission remains the same: making fresh, healthy food accessible to everyone, regardless of their living situation.
Our Mission & Values
Guiding principles that drive everything we do
Accessibility
We believe everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food regardless of their living space, budget, or experience level. Our programs are designed to be inclusive and adaptable to any urban environment.
Sustainability
Environmental stewardship is at the core of our practices. We promote organic growing methods, water conservation, composting, and the use of recycled materials in all our gardening solutions.
Community
We foster connections between urban gardeners, creating a supportive network where knowledge is shared, challenges are solved together, and successes are celebrated as a community.
Meet Our Team
Passionate experts dedicated to urban gardening excellence
Elena Thompson
Founder & CEO
Elena brings 15 years of experience in sustainable agriculture and community development. She holds a Master's in Environmental Science and is passionate about making urban gardening accessible to all.
Marcus Kim
Head of Education
Marcus specializes in developing comprehensive educational programs. His background in adult education and urban planning helps create engaging, practical learning experiences for our community.
Priya Patel
Sustainability Director
Priya leads our sustainability initiatives with expertise in permaculture design and organic farming. She ensures all our practices align with environmental conservation principles.
James Rivera
Innovation Specialist
James focuses on integrating modern technology with traditional gardening practices. He develops smart gardening solutions and automated systems for urban environments.
Our Achievements
Milestones that reflect our commitment to urban gardening
Community Impact
- ✓ Over 2,500 urban gardens established across the Pacific Northwest
- ✓ 850+ workshop participants trained in sustainable gardening practices
- ✓ 15,000+ plants successfully grown by our community members
- ✓ 95% success rate for first-time urban gardeners
- ✓ 25 corporate partnerships promoting workplace wellness through gardening
Recognition & Awards
- 🏆 Portland Green Business Award 2023
- 🏆 Oregon Sustainability Excellence Recognition 2024
- 🏆 Community Choice Award for Environmental Education 2024
- 🏆 Featured in Urban Agriculture Magazine as "Innovators to Watch" 2025
- 🏆 Partnership recognition with Portland Parks & Recreation
What Our Community Says
Real stories from urban gardening enthusiasts
Samantha Chen
Urban Professional, Seattle
"UrbanGreen completely transformed how I think about city living. My small balcony now produces enough herbs and vegetables to supply my kitchen year-round. The team's expertise and ongoing support made all the difference in my gardening success."
Roberto Martinez
Restaurant Owner, Portland
"As a restaurant owner, having access to ultra-fresh herbs and microgreens has elevated our dishes significantly. UrbanGreen helped us set up a rooftop garden that not only supplies our kitchen but also creates a unique dining atmosphere for our guests."
Amanda Foster
Teacher & Mother, Vancouver
"The educational aspect of UrbanGreen is phenomenal. Not only did they help me create a thriving indoor garden, but they also provided resources I use to teach my students about sustainability and nutrition. It's been an incredible learning experience for the whole family."
Our Work in Action
A glimpse into the transformations we've facilitated
Ready to Start Your Urban Garden?
Join thousands of urban gardeners who have transformed their spaces with our expert guidance. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your existing garden, we're here to help you succeed.