The Metro: Oakland Avenue Urban Farm turns 25

This year marks 25 years of urban farming in the North End and the organization is celebrating with a gala on September 27th.

Farmer at Oakland Avenue Urban Farm

A farmer at Oakland Avenue Urban Farm in Detroit.

Urban Farming simply means growing produce, fruits and veggies in a city setting. So think rooftop gardens and, in the case of Oakland Avenue Urban Farm, the use of vacant lots in Detroit North End. 

Oakland Avenue Urban Farm is celebrating 25 years of operation. In 2000, its founder pastor Reverend Bertha L. Carter saw that the community needed to help itself instead of waiting on others. Rev. Carter urged her congregation to address food insecurity by developing the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm.

Oakland Urban Farm

Through the years, their goal has been to use urban farming as a way to create jobs and new green career pathways for residents. Overall, the organization wants to teach Detroit residents how to live and thrive healthier.

Jerry Ann Hebron
Executive Director of Oakland Avenue Urban Farm

This year marks 25 years of urban farming in the North End and to commemorate the organization is celebrating with a gala on September 27th.

Jerry Ann Hebron is Executive Director Northend Christian CDC. She joined The Metro to talk more about 25 years, and what the future holds for urban farming in Detroit.

 

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Author

  • Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.