Hattie Carthan Herban Farm

The Hattie Carthan Herban Farm, located at 49 Van Buren St, Brooklyn, NY 11221, is far more than just a garden; it is a profound "Scenic Spot" and a pivotal "healing justice project" in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant. This unique urban farm is a powerful testament to community resilience, environmental stewardship, and the transformative power of urban agriculture. Operating as a GreenThumb community garden under the NYC Parks umbrella, it serves as a vital resource for increasing access to fresh, locally grown food and providing invaluable educational programs in a neighborhood often classified as a "fresh food desert."

The environment of the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm is a vibrant example of urban revitalization, transforming a once-abandoned lot into a thriving ecosystem. It's a testament to the dedication of its founders and volunteers who hauled truckloads of toxic asphalt and removed six feet of tainted soil, replacing it with fresh soil, sand, leaf litter, and compost. This meticulous effort has resulted in a verdant space that truly offers a sense of being "far up in the country," despite its urban setting. The farm cultivates "over eighty varieties of herbs" as well as various vegetables and fruits, showcasing neat rows of produce and a "cornucopia of food spilling from growbags." Beyond cultivation, the environment includes practical features such as a "functioning hoophouse," which extends the growing season, and a "large three-bin composting system," demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices and waste management. The presence of "bearing fruit trees" further enriches the botanical diversity. For animal integration, there's even a "chicken coop" where livestock provides eggs to residents and manure for plants, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. The overall environment is one of active cultivation, biodiversity, and sustainable living, creating a sensory experience that combines the sights of lush greenery, the smells of fresh herbs, and the sounds of a productive, bustling community space.

As a "Scenic Spot" that provides corresponding services or goods for sale, the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm offers a rich array of services, deeply embedded in its mission of community well-being and food justice. A core service is the provision of "locally grown fresh food" through its seasonal markets. The farm operates a "Sunday market" from July to November at 49 Van Buren Street, and an "After Church" market on Sundays during the same period. There's also the larger Hattie Carthan Community Farmer's Market on Clifton Place at Marcy Avenue, running Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM, July to November. These markets are critical for "increasing access to fresh food and educate community residents about the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables." They accept various forms of payment including WIC/Senior FMNP Checks, EBT, Health Bucks, and cash, ensuring broad accessibility. Beyond direct produce sales, the farm provides "value-added herbal products" and features a "Farm Apothecary" with "freshly harvested medicinal herbs, herbal cosmetics and healing products." Services also extend to "Apothecary healing service by appointment only," offering holistic well-being. Educational services are paramount, including "cooking demonstrations," "gardening seminars," "food education," and "herbalism wellness events." The "Urban Agriculture Youth Corps" is a key program, teaching valuable skills in gardening, seasonal nutrition, food education, livestock management, composting, environmental stewardship, and herbalism, often with stipends for participants. The farm also hosts "high vibrational communal dinner fundraisers" at high moons and "Percussion Healing Circles," fostering communal gathering and holistic healing. Volunteer opportunities are regularly available, inviting community participation in maintaining and growing the farm, truly making it a space where services are co-created with the community.

The features of the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm are numerous and deeply impactful. Its origin as a "reclaimed abandoned lot" transformed through over "70,000 documentable volunteer hours" led by "Farmer Yon" (Yonnette Fleming) is a testament to its grassroots power. The farm stands as a "fine example of an urban farm model that factors in the needs of the environment and people." Key physical features include the aforementioned "functioning hoophouse," a "chicken coop," and a "large three-bin composting system," all contributing to its sustainable operations. The presence of "beautiful carved wooden sculptures" and "large plants" enhances its aesthetic appeal, making it a "lovely space" for relaxation and enjoyment. The "paved patio with seating and coverage" provides a comfortable gathering area. Beyond physical structures, the farm's programmatic features are exceptional. The "Urban Agriculture Youth Corps" is a unique program that empowers local teens with practical skills and an understanding of food justice. The "Hattie Carthan Community Farmer's Market" and the "Herban Farm After Church Market" are central features providing direct access to fresh, healthy food. The integration of "herbalism wellness events" and an "apothecary" positions it as a holistic healing center, rather than just a place for food production. The garden's mission to "preserve Brooklyn's agricultural heritage" and serve as an "intergenerational space for reflection, inspiration, education, and training" highlights its profound community-centric features. It functions as an outdoor classroom where both children and adults learn about a working garden, food justice, and sustainable living.

For promotional information, the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm can be powerfully positioned as a vital "Scenic Spot" and a beacon of community empowerment in Brooklyn. Messaging should emphasize its role as a "healing justice project" and a "grassroots, people of color-led agricultural revitalization project." Promotional campaigns could highlight the transformation of a "blighted property into a thriving Farmers' Market" and a "beautiful marketplace," emphasizing the positive impact on the neighborhood. The farm's commitment to "food justice" and addressing "food insecurity" in a "fresh food desert" is a compelling narrative. Promoting its "seasonal market" hours (Sundays, July to November, 1 PM to 6 PM at 49 Van Buren St, and Saturdays 9 AM to 3 PM on Clifton Place) is essential for attracting visitors and customers. Showcasing the diverse range of fresh produce, herbs, and value-added herbal products would appeal to health-conscious consumers. The educational offerings, such as "cooking demonstrations" and the "Urban Agriculture Youth Corps," can be promoted to engage families, youth, and aspiring gardeners. Encouraging volunteer participation is crucial, highlighting the opportunity to "care for the Earth and environment" and be "passionate about food justice." Visuals of the lush farm, vibrant markets, and community engagement would be highly effective on social media and other platforms. Testimonials praising the "fresh and reasonably priced" produce, the "friendly and helpful" staff, and the overall "wonderful addition to the neighborhood" would build credibility. The farm's mission to cultivate a "healthy, holistic, and self-sufficient community" should be central to all promotional efforts, inviting the wider community to support and experience this truly inspiring "Scenic Spot."

Hattie Carthan Herban Farm

49 Van Buren St, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA