Know Waste Lands Community Garden

Nestled in the bustling neighborhood of Bushwick, Brooklyn, at 1309 DeKalb Ave (also found at the corner of Myrtle Avenue, DeKalb Avenue, and Cedar Street), the Know Waste Lands Community Garden stands as a testament to urban greening, community resilience, and environmental stewardship. More than just a garden, it is a dynamic scenic spot and a hub for ecological innovation, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, practical services, and a commitment to a healthier, more sustainable city.

The Know Waste Lands Community Garden transforms formerly unused city lots into a vibrant, living ecosystem. Despite being situated under the M train and flanked by busy streets, it truly is a "slice of paradise," as one description notes. The garden spans approximately 3,000 to 3,600 square feet, maximizing its space to cultivate a diverse array of plants, including wildflowers and native grasses that thrive, thanks in no small part to the rich compost produced on-site. Visitors will find a tranquil environment, offering a moment to "seat and relax" amidst the urban buzz. The careful cultivation of this space promotes habitat restoration, attracting local wildlife and contributing to the biodiversity of the neighborhood. The aesthetic appeal of the garden is noteworthy; the composting system itself is designed with an eye for beauty, featuring bins crafted from pink pine and corrugated metal, adding to the garden's overall charm.

As a designated "Scenic Spot," Know Waste Lands offers more than just visual appeal. Its core identity is deeply intertwined with its partnership with BK ROT, a non-profit organization that runs a community-supported, bike-powered, fossil-fuel-free food waste hauling and composting service. This collaboration is central to the garden's operations and its impact on the local community. Here's a breakdown of the services and features:

• Composting Hub: Know Waste Lands is a primary site for BK ROT's composting operations. This means local residents and businesses can drop off their food scraps, contributing to a circular economy and significantly reducing household waste. The garden boasts a sophisticated composting system, including seven bins, three windrows, two tumblers, and a worm bin, ensuring efficient and effective organic waste processing. The quality of the compost produced here is exceptionally high, with customer reviews enthusiastically stating that plants grown with BK ROT compost become "very large and healthy!!!" This high-quality compost is available for sale, providing a valuable resource for gardeners and supporting the organization's mission.
• Community Green Space: The garden serves as a vital green space for the Bushwick community. It’s a place for residents to connect with nature, engage in collective gardening efforts, and find a peaceful retreat. The open hours, typically from April 1 to October 31, including Sundays (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), Wednesdays (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.), Thursdays (11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), and Saturdays (2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.), allow for public access and engagement.
• Educational and Volunteer Opportunities: Know Waste Lands is an all-volunteer effort, registered with NYC Parks GreenThumb. This offers significant opportunities for community involvement. Individuals interested in gardening, environmental conservation, or simply contributing to a local initiative can volunteer their time and learn about sustainable practices. The garden and BK ROT frequently host events and workshops, such as food scrap drop-offs, pumpkin smashes (seasonal), and larger celebrations like "ROTFEST" (marking anniversaries with zero-waste activities, art, music, food, and more). These events not only educate but also foster a strong sense of community.
• Youth Employment and Development: A unique and impactful feature of the BK ROT partnership is its focus on youth employment. The organization provides accessible jobs and sustained professional development for young people of color, who manage the bike-powered food waste hauling and composting. This initiative addresses environmental justice, strengthens local economies, and empowers emerging environmental leaders from within the community.

For those looking to experience this unique scenic spot and participate in its mission, here's some key promotional information:

• Visit and Relax: The garden is open during specified hours (seasonal) and offers a calm environment for relaxation and connection with nature. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet moment or a leisurely stroll to appreciate urban ecology in action.
• Compost Your Food Scraps: Become part of the solution by dropping off your organic waste at Know Waste Lands. BK ROT operates year-round food scrap drop-offs on Sundays from 12-3 PM. This is a direct way to reduce your environmental footprint and support a local, sustainable initiative.
• Purchase High-Quality Compost: For gardeners and plant enthusiasts, BK ROT's 100% locally sourced, hand-made compost is available for purchase. As customer reviews attest, this compost is excellent for houseplants, growing vegetables, and enriching soil. Information on how to order and pick up compost is available through BK ROT's website.
• Volunteer and Get Involved: Know Waste Lands thrives on volunteer efforts. If you're passionate about community gardening, sustainability, or simply want to contribute to a meaningful local project, consider filling out the volunteer interest form on the Know Waste Lands website. Becoming a garden member allows for deeper engagement with the space and its activities.
• Attend Events: Keep an eye on the Know Waste Lands and BK ROT social media channels (e.g., Facebook: @knowasteland) and websites for upcoming events. These often include free workshops, community gatherings, and celebrations that offer a fun and engaging way to learn more about composting and sustainable living. For example, "ROTFEST" is an annual highlight, celebrating the garden's milestones with a focus on zero-waste principles.
• Support a Green Economy: By utilizing the services of Know Waste Lands and BK ROT, you are directly supporting a localized green economy rooted in environmental justice. This project demonstrates a new vision for waste management, transforming food waste into a foundation for a healthy urban ecosystem and uplifting the people responsible for its management.

The Know Waste Lands Community Garden, in partnership with BK ROT, is more than just a scenic spot; it is a living model of urban sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental responsibility. It offers a tangible way for local users to engage with ecological solutions, enjoy green space, and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant Brooklyn.

Know Waste Lands Community Garden

1309 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA