Community Spotlight: Kristin Eley

Photo by Nancy Treuber, MSCG Communication Committee

Kristin Eley (she/they) quite literally rolled into PLG in 2022 and wasted no time digging in. As the founder and president of Community Cleanup PLG, a neighborhood group that gathers weekly for trash pickups (find them on Instagram @communitycleanupplg), Kristin has helped keep our streets cleaner and our community connected.  CCPLG’s cart and supplies live at Maple Street Community Garden, a fitting home base for a group built on collective care.

Photo by Nancy Treuber

You’ll also find Kristin in the garden itself, often volunteering during compost shifts and gardening sessions. “I have learned so much about being in a community at the garden,” Kristin shares. “So many folks here model what it means to lead with generosity and commitment. The act of getting dirty and spending time at the pace of nature has been grounding, and helped align my life to my values.”

Kristin’s contributions extend beyond cleanup and compost. A seasoned musician and music educator, they brought their talents to the 2024 Harvest Festival and 2025’s Water Fountain Ribbon Cutting, performing in the garden and adding to the celebration’s spirit. They’re also quick to lend a hand at bake sales and other community events, proof that their energy and generosity ripple through every corner of the garden.

And, of course, Kristin never loses their sense of humor. Reflecting on fond (compost) memories, they joked, “Every warm, stinky, wet contribution of compost that someone brings is a unique memory.”

From cleaning up our streets to enriching our garden with music, Kristin’s presence reminds us that community thrives when people show up—messy, joyful, and all in.

Written by

Jess Frost,

MSCG Communication Committee

Photo by Nancy Treuber