12th & Montgomery Garden

Known as "The Green", the garden at SW 12th Avenue and Montgomery Street is a vibrant, student-led space dedicated to food justice, urban agriculture, and hands-on environmental leadership. It serves as an active hub for experiential learning, research-based projects, and community connection.

Location: SW 12th Avenue & SW Montgomery Street (across the street, just west from Epler Hall)

What We Grow & Do
We grow apples, plums, figs, tomatoes, zucchini, corn, culinary herbs, flowers, and more.
We partner directly with the PSU Food Pantry to donate fresh, organically grown produce to students in need.
We host soil-building projects, research trials, and urban ecology studies.
We host hands-on gatherings, volunteer work parties, and events to bring people together and build community across PSU.

Get Involved
No experience is necessary!
Volunteer Shifts & Workshops: Check the SSC on Connect for current times and seasonal work parties.

Contact & Info
Email: gardens@pdx.edu
Instagram: @psu_ssc

A Short History of "The Green"

First established as a student garden in 2005 on the footprint of the former Adeline Residence Hall, the site eventually fell quiet before finding a fresh vision.

In 2018, the Student Sustainability Center proposed taking over management to reimagine the space. Students spearheaded a plan to unite the site with the neighboring Community Orchard (established in 2011), hosting design workshops and collaborating with groups like the PSU Food Pantry to envision an outdoor learning space with native plants, produce gardens, and peaceful gathering spots.

When budget hurdles arose in 2020, student leaders pivoted by leveraging internal funding and partnering with university maintenance teams to level and grade the land in 2022, laying the foundation for improved accessibility and campus equity. Today, The Green continues to evolve as a dedicated space for outdoor learning and community engagement.