Pictured: An archival photo from GrowNYC’s first ever garden build All People’s Garden. Photo credit: Angie Lee-Gonzalez
This Earth Month, we’re honoring the dedication of countless urban gardeners and farmers who ignited and continue to grow the community garden and farming movement in NYC. Let’s dive in!
NYC's Green History: From Crisis to Community
Did you know? During the financial crisis of the 1970s, many parts of the city suffered from widespread urban neglect, with NYC’s most underserved communities being disproportionately affected.
Why it matters: In response to the economic collapse, urban exodus, and increase in abandoned lots, the New Yorkers left behind turned to nature and their neighbors. 
Guerilla gardeners began a radical act of reclamation that not only beautified vacant lots, but soon inspired a city-wide grassroots movement that increased access to green spaces to grow food and plants and gather with community.
Over the years, NYC communities have teamed up with trusted friends like GrowNYC to bring nature’s abundance to their neighborhoods. Today, NYC is home to over 550 gardens—the nation's largest urban gardening program!
How to get involved: Find a community garden or green space near you to dig in and support.
Community Garden Spotlight: East New York
The big picture: Last year, GrowNYC created and revitalized over 20,000 square feet of green space in East New York alongside community members and NYC Parks GreenThumb team!
Here’s a glimpse into what we achieved:
At CAUSA Festival Garden, GrowNYC helped install 15 new garden beds.
By combining two separate gardens, we expanded Euclid 500 Community Garden with 40 garden beds and held a collaborative “Flavors of Cooking Traditions” workshop, where gardeners cooked and shared homemade dishes, including callaloo, Bengali tomato satni with rice, and Guyanese eggplant prepared in two ways with homemade roti.
Montauk Atkins Community Garden received 15 new garden beds, a rainwater harvesting system, and seating for community events.
At a daycare center, Urban Strategies Headstart Garden now has raised beds that function as an outdoor classroom for children and their families.
Why it matters: East New York has the most community gardens of any neighborhood in NYC, expanding access to green space and fresh food for its residents. GrowNYC is proud to have worked alongside the community on over 20 garden builds and renovation projects over the years! We are in the process of developing additional gardens, stay tuned for further updates. 
GrowNYC’s Green Space Impact
The big picture: In collaboration with partners and communities, GrowNYC is building and cultivating essential green spaces that not only bolster food security but ignite the spirit of community.
Let’s look at what we accomplished last year:
1.1 million New Yorkers visited 173 gardens we helped build.
9 new community gardens were built, adding 47,000 square feet of green space to our city landscape.
30 community gardens were renovated, ensuring these spaces thrive for generations to come.
5 new rainwater harvesting systems were built in community gardens, 1.3 million gallons of water was conserved annually via green infrastructure.
130,000 edible and ornamental plants were distributed in the Spring and Fall to gardens.
5,000 pounds of produce was donated to community groups from GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden and Container Farm on Governors Island.
The bottom line: Thanks to the leadership of supporters like you, New Yorkers across the city can connect with nature and their neighbors.
How you can continue to support our work: This Earth Month, honor urban gardeners past and present by sustaining NYC’s green spaces! Your donation helps provide resources to build, maintain, and support community gardens and ensure that all New Yorkers can enjoy these spaces for years to come.
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