The Central Area Urban Gardeners (CAUG) held its very successful Community Open House on June 5, 2015. CAUG is an urban indoor gardening demonstration project located in the Central Area of Seattle. The project is funded by a neighborhood community grant to demonstrate that local residents can grow healthy, affordable, organic, fruits, vegetables and herbs in a controlled environment, indoors - all year long, without sunlight or soil. Over 20 organizations and 150 people attended.

Utilizing the latest hydroponic system technology, it is one of the newest approaches to food production and nutrition advancement that emphasizes food security, health and community revitalization.

CAUG provides training in Hydroponic Gardening to high school students from Garfield, Nova and Alder High Schools, as well as young adults from Seattle Metro YMCA, Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (SYVPI) and Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP). Training is also available for local residents and seniors.

Former State Representative and Founder of First Place Charter School, Dawn Mason, brought members of the staff and student body over to view the project. She said she was impressed with what she saw. "We are a neighborhood school and this is a neighborhood project so we see this as our garden. It is important for our students to see something positive happening right here close by."

Rev. Harriett Walden, a long-time community leader and a well known advocate against police brutality and Founder of Mothers for Police Accountability was also impressed - "This is extremely important," emphasized Rev. Walden, "Food will always be an issue and we have the ability to grow our own food and you need that for survival." Rev. Walden also stated that the project was a transformative moment. "It’s about transformation, and this project will help transform this area."

Site tours are available. Call in advance. Volunteers are welcome and donations are accepted.