urban farm & greenhouse

Green Acre Community Garden is a one-acre urban farm that grows a wide array of fresh vegetables and herbs with an expanding number of fruit trees. Bringing his deep-seated knowledge as a Black farmer from the South and longtime Paterson resident, Deacon Willie Davis oversees all aspects of production and maintenance using sustainable agriculture practices. In 2020, through the support of multiple community-based organizations and partners, Green Acre acquired a greenhouse, which is used for season extension, seed starting, and for a plant nursery. All the produce is distributed at our biweekly farm stand or for mutual aid efforts such as donating to neighborhood partners working with under-resourced residents. 

In 2020, with the support of various partners, we accomplished our goal of installing our greenhouse.  This will allow us to grow vegetables beyond the traditional growing season. The greenhouse is a great asset that also requires frequent maintenance and upkeep. 

Advancing food justice

Advancing food justice is one of the core principles of Green Acre. In the fourth ward of Paterson, the mainly Black and Latinx residents have limited options to access healthy foods and safe, green spaces in their community due to years of underinvestment and marginalization. Seeing the potential to dismantle these injustices through the production of fresh food for the community while beautifying the neighborhood, Green Acre has expanded operations every year and grows thousands of pounds of produce that are distributed to community members during the farm stands. These bags of produce are distributed for free with optional donations that go towards farm operations. Community is at the core of this labor; thus, all the produce is a reflection of food traditions from the different cultures in the community. 

Community-Engaged learning

Green Acre is intentional in creating rich programming for the community, particularly for children and youth. We are expanding our nutrition education efforts in 2021 to equip youth with the right nutrition knowledge they need to make informed decisions related to health.

Additionally, we are focused on raising awareness about the important roles of our local food systems and ancestral farming practices that regenerate the land and honor the traditions of the African diaspora. During workdays and farm tours, community volunteers and visitors from afar can learn about polyculture, heritage crops, seed keeping, composting, and more. 

Access to Nature

In a neighborhood that lacks safe, green spaces, residents embrace the peaceful, idyllic setting of Green Acre. On any given afternoon during the season, community members visit the farm and enjoy the rows of collard greens and many other traditional crops, fruit trees, annual flowers, native and perennial plants, patches of sunflowers, bees, and birds. This green oasis is a refuge for wildlife and any visitor seeking respite from the hustle and bustle. Most importantly, children and their families enjoy the tranquility and observe nature. 

building community

Green Acre hosts a wide array of free community events, including Easter Basket Giveaway, Summer Cookouts, Thanksgiving Drive, Christmas Tree Lighting, and much more. Throughout the events and farm stands, our volunteers also provide garden tours to interested visitors.