Students plant vegetables as part of Concrete Safaris summer program
A group of Harlem students are spending their summer learning how to plant and grow their own vegetables.
The students are enrolled in a summer program with Concrete Safaris, a non profit that gets children in urban areas more involved in outdoor activities.
Three days a week, the students till, hoe, and turn the soil at the "Mad Fun Farm," a plot of land overseen by the New York City Housing Authority at the Washington Houses in East Harlem.
They're growing lettuce, cucumbers, corn, peppers, and carrots, among other vegetables and herbs
“I’m looking forward to corn the most,” said eight-year-old Nazarene Carabala.
Concrete Safaris began planting the garden with students last year.
“It's been a great way to bring city kids outdoors,” said Mac Levine, executive director and founder of Concrete Safaris. “The students are exercising, working as a group, learning about nutrition, and gaining a real sense of ownership over the project.”
The students have big plans for their garden. They hope to participate in the local farmer’s market, start a bulb festival, and build an outdoor learning center and performance stage.
“I’ve never been on a farm before this summer,” said 15-year-old Tyrena Davis, a Concrete Safaris intern who attends the Urban Assembly High School for Media. “Before coming here, I didn’t really think about vegetables growing out of the dirt. Now I can see it happening with my own eyes.”
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