LA FAMILIA VERDE
La Familia Verde is a coalition of community gardens in the Crotona, East Tremont, and West Farms neighborhoods of The Bronx. Formed in 1998, our mission is to sustain the environment and culture of our neighborhood through education, community service, and horticulture. In the years since the coalition was founded, we have expanded our activities to encompass a broad range of community development issues, from voter registration to census education.
La Familia Verde represents the next generation in the community gardening movement; they are not a single garden but a coalition of gardens and community-based organizations working together to foster grassroots community change. La Familia Verde is now a program of the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center. We continue their mission and goals in the community. Are you interested in volunteering with La Familia Verde at the Farmers Market or the Community Gardens? Contact us to learn more!
La Familia Verde represents the next generation in the community gardening movement; they are not a single garden but a coalition of gardens and community-based organizations working together to foster grassroots community change. La Familia Verde is now a program of the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center. We continue their mission and goals in the community. Are you interested in volunteering with La Familia Verde at the Farmers Market or the Community Gardens? Contact us to learn more!
Garden of Happiness
This garden was built by community members in 1988 on three former city-owned lots. Its name refers to the hopes of area residents that it be a haven from the city streets and a source of pride for the community that surrounds it.
In the late 1980s, the lot was slated for development, but the project was abandoned when developers discovered that the land was embedded with bedrock. The lot began to accumulate garbage, and concerned community members built a fence around the lot and enlisted the help of Operation GreenThumb to clean up and develop the land.
The Garden of Happiness was developed under the auspices of Operation GreenThumb, a Parks initiative that aids the transformation of vacant city lots into community gardens. GreenThumb, which is funded largely by community-block grants from the federal Housing and Urban Development program, allowed Crotona-Mapes community members to purchase the plants, cleaning supplies, and garden tools necessary for the lot’s transformation. The Garden of Happiness was permanently assigned to Parks in 1998.
Since 1988, community members have used the Garden of Happiness as a neighborhood gathering spot. The garden participates in outreach projects with the New York Botanical Garden’s Bronx Green-Up program and the Trust for Public Land’s Neighborhood Open-Space Management program. Source: NYC Parks Department Karen Washington, Community Member
In the late 1980s, the lot was slated for development, but the project was abandoned when developers discovered that the land was embedded with bedrock. The lot began to accumulate garbage, and concerned community members built a fence around the lot and enlisted the help of Operation GreenThumb to clean up and develop the land.
The Garden of Happiness was developed under the auspices of Operation GreenThumb, a Parks initiative that aids the transformation of vacant city lots into community gardens. GreenThumb, which is funded largely by community-block grants from the federal Housing and Urban Development program, allowed Crotona-Mapes community members to purchase the plants, cleaning supplies, and garden tools necessary for the lot’s transformation. The Garden of Happiness was permanently assigned to Parks in 1998.
Since 1988, community members have used the Garden of Happiness as a neighborhood gathering spot. The garden participates in outreach projects with the New York Botanical Garden’s Bronx Green-Up program and the Trust for Public Land’s Neighborhood Open-Space Management program. Source: NYC Parks Department Karen Washington, Community Member
Garden of Youth
Garden of Youth has a very similar story and history as Garden of Happiness, and has been in the community since the late 80's. When community residents, along with the NYBG Bronx Green Up program, decided to turn those empty lots where the Garden of Happiness & Youth are located now into beautiful community gardens. Having those two community gardens changed the whole complexion of the neighborhood.
The Garden of Youth is where the NYBG Bronx Green Up Program started its first composting program. Educating community residents about the importance of greening and composting. Garden workshops soon followed, along with food giveaways, and block parties, all stemming from a garden teaching sustainable agriculture and environmental justice.
Since then, both the Garden of Happiness and the Garden of Youth have been anchors bringing stability to the neighborhood. Both were instrumental in forming the La Familia Verde Community GardenCoalition and Farmer’s Market, advocating for food and social justice.
Source: Karen Washington, Community Member
Mapes Avenue Garden
Mapes Avenue Garden was founded in 1981, and like the other gardens mentioned, it has a very similar story. Community advocacy and engagement saved this empty lot during a time of much violence and drugs in the area. Mr. Parker has been managing the community garden lot for over 30 years. Bronx Community Land Trust now owns the garden. Ensuring the space is kept in the community and for the community. Mr. Parker and engaged members actively encourage community members to activate the space, keep it open for education, and grow produce for community members and a green space for members to enjoy. "What many gardens need is younger folks, youth, who are interested in gardening, to keep the space active and running for years to come." - Mr. Parker
Source: Mr. Parker, Community Member