Long before Highway 101 was built, this land was an open, grassy space overlooking the Mission and the Golden Gate. Older residents like Eddie Lovrin remember playing nearby as children, when this hill was dotted with grazing goats owned by Mrs. Estelle West, aka the “Goat Lady,” one door down.

In 1969, a local Potrero Hill teacher created the first garden here to educate grade school children. For two years, students learned the basics of planting, watering, weeding and harvesting fresh food. The program, which was funded by HUD, was not renewed in the third year.

By 1971 two Potrero Hill residents, a meticulous gardeners who could grow anything, began a squatter’s gardens on this land.

Each of the fifty plots is tended by neighbors using only organic methods and the gardeners commit to sharing the upkeep of the common areas, shade garden, and the sidewalk landscapes.

​

Visit dogpatchna.org/scavenger-hunt to join the community fun as our gift to you during this year's "holidays at home" Shelter in Place.