Community Garden at Nelson Park

The Community Garden is home to a variety of attractions that provide diverse opportunities for education, recreation, and relaxation, making the park an asset for our community:

Community Garden with more than 100 garden beds
Children's Garden
Native planting areas
Serviceberry and Black Cherry Grove and Plaza
Microforest
Butterfly Conservatory

With added security measures, seating, and informative signage, the park will continue to be a welcoming space for everyone!

Location

James C. Nelson Park
2775 15 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48310

Hours of Operation

Community Garden

May - September
Sunday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

October
Sunday - Saturday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Conservatory

May - October

Tuesday - Friday: 1 - 6:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Rules and Regulations

Please view the Community Garden Rules & Regulations.

Garden Bed Applications

Garden bed rentals at the Nelson Park Community Garden are now open for Sterling Heights residents and will open March 2, 2026 for non-residents.

Interested individuals or households can apply in person at the Community Center (40250 Dodge Park Rd.) or the Nature Center (42700 Utica Rd.) or by mailing the documents to Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation at 40555 Utica Rd., P.O. Box 8009, Sterling Heights, MI 48311-8009.

Conservatory

Butterfly sightings may vary depending on the timing of your visit.

Butterflies move through four stages in their lifecycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult. The adult stage—when butterflies are most visible and flying—typically lasts only 2–3 weeks, depending on the species.

As a result, there may be times when fewer or no adult butterflies are present in the conservatory. We appreciate your understanding as we support this natural cycle.

Microforest

A microforest is a densely planted mini-forest made up of native trees and plants. Inspired by the Miyawaki Method, it boosts biodiversity, restores soil health, and brings nature back to cities.

The microforest located in the Community Garden will take time to grow because young trees need years to mature, develop roots, and create canopy cover. What looks like a field today will soon become a thriving urban forest—be patient, nature’s working!

Community Garden Complaint Form

We welcome your feedback as we want to stay aware of any issues that may arise at the Community Garden.

All issues must be filed within 24 hours of the initial incident. Each form will be reviewed and researched by the Parks and Recreation Department within 48 business hours.

Sterling Heights Community Garden Complaint Form

Get Involved!

The City of Sterling Heights enourages regular volunteerism and education, as an approved site for the MSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program.

Keep an eye out for updates on how you can be a part of this transformative initiative, helping to create a greener and healthier Sterling Heights!

Sign up for updates here!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in cultivating a greener future, where your contributions are recognized and celebrated. With diverse sponsorship opportunities, we have created a space for everyone to contribute meaningfully to our community. By supporting the Sterling Heights Community Garden and James C. Nelson Park, you become a vital part of a transformative initiative that enhances our local ecosystem and enriches the lives of our residents.

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.