Our Programs
Community Gardening Program
The City of Newark has hundreds of vacant lots within its boundaries. Despite these potential resources,
there is a lack of usable community open space. Community open space is a necessity for all urban
neighborhoods and residences. Open space provides residents a place to plant flowers and vegetables,
have barbecues, parties or simply relax and enjoy nature. Greater Newark Conservancy’s Community Greening
program helps residents transform City-owned abandoned lots to serve various community uses with and emphasis
on vegetable and fruit production to help supplement the community’s nutritional needs.
The Conservancy helps Greening Clubs lease vacant lots from the City of Newark, provides assistance in garden design,
helps residents acquire materials to renovate the lots, lends tools for garden cleanup, and assists with garden
construction. In addition, the Conservancy runs horticultural workshops, and provides ongoing technical assistance
and encouragement.
Each year, the Conservancy also provides free seeds, compost, mulch and woodchips to help our Greening Clubs
beautify their garden spots. Greening Clubs work together to help build, plant and maintain each community
garden. So far, these groups have transformed 25 vacant lots into blooming community gardens.
Process for the Development of a Community Garden
- Presentation by the Conservancy staff to neighborhood residents to discuss the proposed vacant lot beautification project.
- Residents organize into a Block Greening Club; 5 members are chosen as Head gardeners; the group decides how to elect Head Gardeners
- Block Greening Club verifies if the lot is City-owned; If so, one member leases the lot through the City's Adopt-A-Lot program for $1.00 per year.
Call the City’s Adopt-A-Lot program at 973-733-3752.
- Block Greening Club decides what type of garden is desired by the community; vegetable,
vest pocket park,relaxation garden etc.
- Conservancy staff creates design for the lot based on community input.
- Block Greening Club approves the design.
- Construction schedule is established and development of the lot begins.
- Block Greening Club provides the work crew to build, plant and maintain the community garden.
- Conservancy provides materials, technical assistance, gardening workshops and compost, mulch, and
woodchips as part of the program. Community gardeners may
- visit the Conservancy’s office to receive free seeds upon availability.
If you are interested in starting a community garden, call the Conservancy’s Community Greening Coordinator, Bryan Epps at (973) 642-4646 x 31.
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City Gardens Contest
Community Gardening Program
FlowerBarrel Program
Workshops and Field Trips
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