Farms at NYCHA Welcome Employee Volunteers for Earth Day Plantings 

NYCHA employees are invited to join residents and community partners this Earth Day weekend to help the Farms at NYCHA sites across the city prepare for spring planting. 

Volunteers will get their hands dirty by pulling weeds, picking up trash, assisting in the composting process, and laying down new soil at the urban farms.   

The Farms at NYCHA, six of which are operated by nonprofit partner Green City Force (GCF), expand healthy food access, provide youth workforce and leadership development, and help create more sustainable communities. The GCF-managed sites are also known as Eco-Hubs to reflect their commitment to sustainability and health initiatives. The farms provide residents with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as the opportunity to engage youth in designing, building, and cultivating farm sites in their community.   

Coordinated by NYCHA’s Sustainability Department, the Earth Day volunteer events for employees will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 at the GCF Eco-Hubs at Bay View Houses, Forest Houses, Howard Houses, Mariner’s Harbor Houses, and Wagner Houses. In addition to plantings, the events will also include refreshments and giveaways. Other Farms at NYCHA sites, operated by partners Red Hook Initiative and United Community Centers in Brooklyn, will also be preparing for the new farming season, including a planting with volunteers at Pink Houses on May 10.  

NYCHA employees who are interested in joining the Earth Day volunteer opportunities can email the Sustainability Department at sustainability@nycha.nyc.gov.