“Over the years, we feared that the lots could be taken out from under us, as has happened to other community gardens in Pittsburgh. That fear prevented us from making long-term investments in the garden,” long-time garden volunteer Lydia Yoder said.
“We can now plan for a long future for the garden.”
Located approximately at 5414 Kincaid Street, the now-protected land was purchased as two parcels. One parcel was purchased from East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI), and the other was purchased from Penn Pioneer Enterprises Mark Fichtner and Aaron Chaney.
There are two adjacent parcels used by the garden that TRALI plans to protect as well.
Today, the garden provides opportunities for local residents to grow healthy food, work the soil, and interact cooperatively with their neighbors. There are typically 25 gardeners working the gardens annually.
A joint venture between Pittsburgh-area nonprofits Grow Pittsburgh and Allegheny Land Trust, TRALI works to protect urban agricultural lands in perpetuity. Kincaid Street Garden was officially protected on July 20, 2021.
“We are thrilled to partner with Grow Pittsburgh and the community to connect neighbors and address food insecurity concerns at Kincaid Street Garden,” ALT President and CEO Chris Beichner said. “Part of our vision is to make green space easily accessible and available to everyone, and we believe our TRALI initiative is helping to fulfill that vision.”
Kincaid Street Garden formed in late 2012 when fellows from Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience (PULSE) worked with the Garfield Community Action Team, GP and Garfield residents to transform vacant parcels into growing space.
“We’ve had the privilege of helping to supply this garden with materials to grow into what it is now,” GP Executive Director Denele Hughson said. “It is both a relief and gift to now be able to promise that all their work will be protected and enjoyed for generations to come.”
Garfield residents can sign up to become a member of Kincaid Street Garden. As a member, they can care for collectively shared garden plots with perennial crops or adopt their own plot to care for independently. The garden is also used as a play space for kids that live nearby.
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming educational programs and other events, visit the Allegheny Land Trust website. Click Here to read the Trust’s most recent newsletter. Click Here to add your email to their mailing list. Click Here to support their work.
[Posted: July 27, 2021] PA Environment Digest
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