Mission

To enhance the well-being of our community, by connecting people with nature through education and the preservation of greenspaces.

Vision

​One day, we will live in a world where the community feels a deep connection with each other,
nature, and the food they eat.

Values

● Sustainability- We are intentional in the use of all resources and mindful of how our
actions impact the community and the world.

● Inclusion - We honor diversity by respecting the innate worth of all persons, cultures, and
abilities. We are stronger because of the varied contributions of all.

● Stewardship – We accept responsibility to care for the land and to educate and
encourage the community to become active contributors to a healthy environment.

● Optimism – We believe in our community, and the ability to bring change for the better
through our actions, words, and intentions.
​
● Service – We dedicate ourselves to creating opportunities for the advancement of the
community.

History

Downtown Greens began when Laura Shepherd planted a garden on the unused land behind her home at 206 Charles Street (now Downtown Greens offices), inspiring the curiosity of neighborhood children. 
With the help of Lisa Biever, Eric Olsen and Mark Jacobson, Laura established Downtown Greens as a nonprofit organization in 1995. Its nonprofit status helped Downtown Greens purchase the land behind 206 Charles Street, which became known as the Lower Garden. 
Four years later, an additional parcel of land across the street at Princess Anne and Dixon Streets was purchased creating what is now referred to as the Upper Garden. The entire 2.8 acres was placed under conservation easement in 2015 to conserve it in perpetuity.
In 2024 Downtown Greens completed the purchase of 56+ acres of woodlands, wetlands, and agricultural fields, now known as the Belman Road Campus, and placed it under conservation easement.
With the addition of these acres, Downtown Greens now has just under 1% of the city of Fredericksburg under conservation easement.  That is 58+ acres of land preserved in perpetuity to provide access to nature and green spaces for our community.


​