Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm)

In the bustling landscape of East New York, Brooklyn, a truly unique and significant green space exists at 296 New Lots Avenue: Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm). This extensive urban farm, operating under the NYC Parks GreenThumb program, stands as a testament to what dedicated community effort can achieve. For New Yorkers in the surrounding neighborhoods, this isn't just a garden; it's a vital community asset, offering a rare blend of agricultural productivity, educational opportunities, and a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle.

While some reviews might express a desire for more consistent aesthetic upkeep, the core value of Hands & Heart lies in its function as a working urban farm and a community hub. It's important to view spaces like this through the lens of active engagement and growth, rather than just passive beauty. This urban farm represents a significant stride in bringing sustainable practices and fresh produce directly to city residents. Its substantial size, at over 25,000 square feet, makes it one of the larger community gardens in the GreenThumb network, providing ample space for diverse activities and cultivation.

The essence of Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) is captured by the positive feedback regarding its workshops. For locals seeking to learn more about urban agriculture, composting, or simply getting their hands dirty, these educational offerings provide invaluable practical experience. This farm embodies the spirit of self-sufficiency and community empowerment, allowing residents to connect with the source of their food and participate actively in creating a greener, healthier neighborhood. It’s a dynamic, evolving space that reflects the dedication and passion of the community members who nurture it.

Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) is prominently located at 296 New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207, placing it directly within the heart of the vibrant East New York neighborhood. Its position on a main thoroughfare like New Lots Avenue ensures high visibility and excellent accessibility for local residents and visitors alike. For New Yorkers who rely on public transportation, the farm is remarkably convenient to reach. The nearby New Lots Avenue subway station, served by the 3 and 4 lines, is within easy walking distance, providing direct access from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Additionally, numerous local bus routes serve New Lots Avenue, offering further connectivity throughout East New York and surrounding communities.

The neighborhood's strong "Walk Score" and "Rider's Paradise" ratings underscore the ease with which individuals can access the farm without needing a private vehicle. This robust public transit network and pedestrian-friendly environment make it simple for community members to visit regularly, participate in workshops, or simply enjoy the expansive green space. The farm's location within a residential and commercial corridor also means it is an integrated part of daily life for many East New York residents, making it a familiar and convenient destination for those seeking a connection with urban agriculture and nature.

• Community Gardening & Urban Farming: The farm provides significant space for cultivation, allowing community members to engage in growing fresh produce, herbs, and ornamental plants.

• Educational Workshops: Hands & Heart is noted for offering workshops, providing practical, hands-on learning experiences in urban agriculture, sustainable practices, and related topics, as indicated by positive customer reviews.

• Animal Husbandry: Uniquely, the farm features chickens and rabbits, offering educational opportunities related to animal care and their role within an urban farm ecosystem.

• Expansive Green Space: With over 25,000 square feet, the farm offers a large open green area, including an "expansive lawn," for community gatherings, relaxation, and informal recreation.

• Banana Plant Cultivation: The presence of "amazing banana plants" highlights the farm's diverse horticultural efforts and offers a unique botanical feature for visitors.

• Composting and Waste Diversion: As an urban farm, it likely promotes and practices composting, helping to divert organic waste from landfills and create nutrient-rich soil.

• Community Engagement: The farm serves as a hub for local residents, fostering community involvement through shared activities, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs.

• Access to Fresh Produce: Through collective farming efforts, the farm provides a source of fresh, locally grown food for its members and the broader community.

• Stewardship Opportunities: Locals can directly participate in the care and development of the farm, contributing to its ongoing growth and sustainability.

• One of NYC's Largest Community Gardens: At 25,307 square feet, Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) is a truly expansive green space, making it one of the largest community gardens within the NYC Parks GreenThumb program. This size allows for diverse agricultural activities and community events.

• "Amazing Banana Plants": A distinctive feature noted on the NYC Parks GreenThumb page, the presence of "amazing banana plants" showcases the farm's unique horticultural diversity and experimental spirit, even in a New York climate.

• Presence of Animals (Chickens, Rabbits): The farm hosts chickens and rabbits, adding an element of animal husbandry to its urban agriculture model. This can be a significant draw for educational programs and for visitors, particularly children.

• Dedicated for Workshops: As highlighted by a positive customer review, the farm actively offers workshops, indicating its commitment to education and hands-on learning for the community in sustainable practices.

• "Expansive Lawn" for Community Use: The presence of a large lawn area provides versatile space for community gatherings, relaxation, and informal activities, beyond just cultivation plots.

• GreenThumb Affiliation: Being part of NYC Parks GreenThumb provides the farm with essential support, resources, and a framework for sustained operation, ensuring its longevity as a community asset.

• Capital Project for Water Service Installation: An ongoing project to install water service signifies a long-term investment in the farm's infrastructure, promising improved efficiency and greater potential for agricultural output and programming.

• Focus on Community Engagement: The very nature of an "urban farm" under GreenThumb emphasizes community participation, fostering local pride and collective stewardship of the space.

• Transformative Land Use: Like many GreenThumb gardens, this farm has transformed a once-vacant or underutilized urban lot into a productive and vibrant green space, exemplifying positive urban revitalization.

As a community garden and urban farm operating under the NYC Parks GreenThumb program, Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) does not offer traditional retail "promotions" or "special offers." Its value to the community comes from providing accessible green space, educational opportunities, and a platform for community engagement, most of which are typically free or require only a nominal contribution.

However, locals can certainly consider the following as ongoing "special offers" and benefits provided by the farm:

• Free Educational Workshops: A notable "offer" is the provision of workshops, as attested by a positive customer review ("Had a great time at a workshop they offered."). These workshops provide invaluable hands-on learning experiences in urban agriculture, sustainable practices, and more, typically at no cost to participants. Information on upcoming workshops would be found on the NYC Parks GreenThumb events calendar or through local community announcements.

• Volunteer Opportunities: The farm thrives on volunteer effort. Regular volunteer days (open hours are Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. between April 1 and October 31) offer a fantastic opportunity to learn gardening skills, meet neighbors, and contribute to a vital community resource, all for free.

• Access to Fresh Produce: For active members and volunteers, the ultimate "promotion" is the ability to share in the harvest of fresh, locally grown produce directly from the farm.

• Community Building and Networking: The farm serves as a natural gathering point, fostering connections among neighbors and providing a welcoming environment to build community ties, which is a priceless social benefit.

• Exposure to Animals: The presence of chickens and rabbits offers a unique "attraction" for visitors, especially children, providing an educational experience rarely found in urban settings.

• Peaceful Green Space: Even without active participation, the farm's expansive lawn and green environment provide a free, accessible space for relaxation and enjoyment of nature in East New York.

To learn about specific events or opportunities, New Yorkers are encouraged to check the NYC Parks GreenThumb website for Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) or look for local postings in the East New York community.

Address: 296 New Lots Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207, USA

For community gardens and urban farms like Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm), which are volunteer-run and part of the NYC Parks GreenThumb program, a direct, dedicated public phone number is generally not provided. However, there are effective ways for interested New Yorkers to get in touch and learn more:

• Email Coordinator: The NYC Parks GreenThumb page for Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) lists an email contact for the garden coordinator: William Pape at

  wpape@nyc.rr.com

  . This is likely the most direct and reliable way to inquire about membership, volunteering, or specific activities.

• Visit During Open Hours: The farm maintains consistent open hours on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. between April 1 and October 31. Visiting during these times offers the best opportunity to meet current members and volunteers, ask questions, and get a feel for the farm's operations and community spirit.

• NYC Parks GreenThumb Website: The official GreenThumb website is an invaluable resource for general information about community gardens in NYC, including events, how to join, and broader support for gardeners. Search for "Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm)" on their site for the most up-to-date information.

• Local Community Boards and Organizations: Brooklyn Community Board 5, which serves the East New York area, may have information or contacts related to local green spaces. Similarly, local development corporations or neighborhood associations in East New York might be involved with or have information about the farm's activities.

Utilizing these avenues will provide the most accurate and current information for engaging with Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm).

Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) is exceptionally suitable for New York City locals, particularly those in the East New York neighborhood, for a multitude of compelling reasons. Firstly, in a densely populated urban environment, this vast green space provides a crucial escape and connection to nature. Its sheer size, over 25,000 square feet, offers ample room for various activities, from active farming to simply enjoying a tranquil moment amidst the bustling city. This access to outdoor space is vital for mental well-being and enhances the overall quality of life for residents.

Secondly, the farm acts as a dynamic educational hub. The positive feedback regarding its workshops highlights its commitment to teaching practical skills in urban agriculture and sustainable living. For New Yorkers eager to learn about growing their own food, composting, or even caring for farm animals like chickens and rabbits, this farm offers invaluable hands-on experience. This not only empowers individuals with new knowledge but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the source of our food and the importance of environmental stewardship. The unique feature of "amazing banana plants" further adds an intriguing educational dimension.

Furthermore, Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm) is a powerful catalyst for community building. It brings neighbors together through shared purpose, promoting collaboration, social interaction, and a strong sense of collective ownership. Whether through volunteer workdays, workshops, or informal gatherings on its expansive lawn, the farm strengthens the social fabric of East New York. Despite any aesthetic challenges mentioned in some reviews, its core function as a productive, educational, and community-focused urban farm makes it an indispensable asset. It provides not just food and green space, but also a vital sense of belonging and empowerment, making it profoundly suitable for locals dedicated to a healthier, more connected Brooklyn.

Hands & Heart (New Lots Urban Farm)

296 New Lots Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207, USA