Project: Durham Integrated Growers (DIG)
Role: Web Design & Development Focus: Community Engagement, Non-Profit Resource Hub, Interactive Directories, Member Management
Project Overview Durham Integrated Growers (DIG) is a non-profit collaborative dedicated to promoting urban agriculture and community gardens across the Durham Region. The organization needed a centralized digital hub to connect local growers, manage memberships, and share vital resources on sustainable food production. The new website was designed to be a welcoming, accessible platform that fosters community connection while simplifying the administrative tasks of running a volunteer-led organization.
Key Deliverables & Features
- Interactive Garden & Farm Directory: To connect residents with local growing spaces, a robust directory was developed.
- Visual Mapping: The “Gardens/Farms” section features an intuitive interface that allows users to discover community gardens, urban farms, and orchards near them, encouraging local participation.
- Detailed Profiles: Each listing provides key information on location, access, and contact details, making it easy for new volunteers to get involved.
- Resource & Education Library: The site serves as an educational pillar for the community.
- “DIG Bits” & Newsletters: A structured content hub houses archives of newsletters and blog posts, ensuring that valuable gardening tips, policy updates, and success stories are easily searchable and accessible to all members.
- Member Resources: A dedicated section provides specialized tools and guides for garden coordinators, supporting the operational needs of individual community gardens.
- Membership & Donation Integration: To support the non-profit’s sustainability, financial and membership workflows were streamlined.
- Online Membership: A clear “Become a Member” pathway allows individuals and organizations to join DIG digitally, reducing paper forms and manual data entry.
- Donation Capabilities: Integrated donation tools (including “Tribute Donations”) allow supporters to contribute funds securely, with clear messaging on how their gifts support local food security.
- Event Management:
- Community Calendar: An “Events” section highlights key dates like the “Annual Garden Tour and Poker Run,” helping to drive attendance and build community spirit.
- Volunteer Mobilization: By centralizing event information, the site acts as a rallying point for mobilizing volunteers for work bees and community gatherings.
The Outcome The new Durham Digs website has become the digital heart of the local urban agriculture movement. It effectively connects disparate community gardens into a unified network, provides essential resources to growers, and simplifies the path for residents to support a greener, more food-secure Durham.
