The Macoskey Center has a history of community outreach projects and one such venture has been the incorporation of community garden plots into the landscape, available for rental by area residents. This project was undertaken in 1996 by MS3 student Jennifer Hansen and through the years has been coordinated by various other Macoskey Center graduate assistants.

All plots must be maintained in a strictly organic and environmentally responsible way. Gardeners must sign an agreement with the Macoskey Center stipulating the gardener will: refrain from using harmful chemicals on site; maintain a neat garden; use responsible water management practices; and return borrowed tools. In turn, center staff will rototill garden plots upon request; provide water in barrels for irrigation; and provide hand tools for gardener's use. Compost and straw bales will be available for building and fertilizing the soil, and for mulching applications.

Garden plots are approximately 20 feet by 20 feet; roughly enough room to grow vegetables for a family of four and plots are available for rental each spring.