Business Details
28 Years
experience
Sustainable Urban Farming & Community Education in Chattanooga
At Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga, we are deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and the transformative power of locally grown food. Established in 1998 through a visionary partnership, our 22-acre urban farm serves as a hub for community development, environmental stewardship, and educational innovation. Our mission focuses on expanding access to fresh produce, providing farm-based learning opportunities, and fostering inclusive community engagement. We prioritize equity and justice in food systems, actively addressing disparities through partnerships with underserved communities and advocating for food security. Our team of dedicated professionals brings decades of combined experience in sustainable farming, horticulture, and community outreach.We offer hands-on workshops, school programs, and volunteer initiatives that connect individuals with the land and each other. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practices, and environmental sustainability guides every decision we make. Through initiatives like the Emerging Farmer Mentorship Program, we empower the next generation of agricultural leaders. By maintaining fair employment practices and prioritizing local resource networks, we strengthen both our ecosystem and economy. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in our vision of a healthier, more equitable Chattanooga rooted in the principles of sustainable agriculture.
Services
Community Gardening
Educational Workshops
Farm Tours
Produce Sales
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in urban sustainable farming since 1998.
- Our team includes certified professionals in horticulture and agricultural education.
- We provide free community gardening spaces with organic soil and shared resources.
- Our educational programs align with Tennessee curriculum standards for hands-on learning.
- We maintain partnerships with local organizations to expand food access for underserved populations.
Services
Community Gardening
Our community garden provides 30 raised beds filled with organic soil for public use. Participants receive tools, irrigation access, and mentorship from experienced staff. Monthly potlucks foster neighborly connections through shared meals.
Educational Workshops
We offer seasonal workshops on topics like beekeeping, sourdough baking, and herbal remedies. Programs cater to all ages with hands-on learning experiences that emphasize sustainable practices and food systems education.
Farm Tours
Guided tours explore sustainable farming operations and land stewardship practices. Customizable for school groups, civic organizations, and families with age-appropriate activities and curriculum-aligned learning objectives.
Produce Sales
Fresh seasonal produce is available at our on-site farm stand (April-November) and Main Street Farmers Market. We accept EBT payments and participate in the Double-Up Food Bucks program for increased accessibility.
Volunteer Programs
Our workshare program offers produce boxes in exchange for seasonal volunteer commitments. Opportunities include greenhouse support, field maintenance, and educational event assistance for individuals and groups.
People
Lena Banks
Interim Executive Director
Lena Banks leads Crabtree Farms with over 15 years of nonprofit management experience. She focuses on strategic growth, community partnerships, and advancing equity initiatives across all programs.
Corey Hagen
Director of Farm Programs
Corey Hagen oversees agricultural operations with expertise in sustainable farming systems. He manages crop production, land stewardship, and technical training for emerging farmers and volunteers.
Annemarie Gero
Director of Horticulture
Annemarie Gero specializes in organic horticulture and soil health management. She coordinates greenhouse operations, plant selection, and educational demonstrations for public workshops and school programs.
Giuliana Castillo
Urban Farm Production Coordinator
Giuliana Castillo manages daily farming activities and seasonal crop planning. She trains volunteers in sustainable practices and ensures high-quality produce for community distribution and market sales.
Chlo Watts
Volunteer & Education Coordinator
Chlo Watts organizes educational programs and volunteer initiatives. She develops curriculum for school field trips, coordinates workshop logistics, and supports community engagement efforts across all age groups.
Questions
What services does Crabtree Farms offer?
We provide community gardening spaces, educational workshops, farm tours, volunteer programs, and seasonal produce sales through our farm stand and local markets.
How can I participate in the community garden?
Our garden beds are currently full, but you can join our newsletter to receive updates about future openings and availability.
Are educational programs available for schools?
Yes, we offer curriculum-aligned field trips and workshops for students of all ages with hands-on agricultural learning experiences.
Does Crabtree Farms accept EBT payments?
Yes, our farm stand accepts EBT and participates in the Double-Up Food Bucks program to increase access to fresh produce.
Is Crabtree Farms accessible to the public?
Our grounds are open to the public during farm stand hours (April-November) and by appointment for tours or educational visits.
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