In the late 1970s the Warren St. Marks Community Garden was transformed from a vacant lot full of debris into a peaceful and vibrant garden thanks to the volunteer work of people in this community.
Membership is open to anyone 16 years and older. There is a nominal annual fee, which we waive when necessary, and garden bylaws to assure orderly operations. We invite local schools and community groups to enjoy and enhance the space. In recognition of our variety of members, we have both individual plots and community plots; members are not required to tend a plot, nor are they guaranteed a plot of their own. In an effort to be responsible to our environment, we compost, and we do not allow the use of non-organic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.
We rely on each and every member to help with planting, weeding, watering and other chores to maintain this lush green, and to keep our gates open to the general public on a regular basis.
The deed to our garden is held by a land trust, the Brooklyn Alliance of Neighborhood Gardens, or BANG! We are part of the land trust itself, and have a representative and alternate on its board. We follow its bylaws, which are available on our website.
MISSION STATEMENT
We promote and protect green space in our neighborhood, provide a safe and beautiful place to garden and to learn gardening skills, and promote community by providing neighborhood residents with a place to meet and work together.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older. A member in good standing honors the bylaws and rules, pays an annual fee, participates in the care of the garden as prescribed in bylaws and rules, and helps make decisions that benefit the garden group.
The annual fee and Garden Rules are approved at the Annual General Membership Meeting and posted for each year’s growing season. These are subject to change during the course of the year by vote of the steering committee.
Members in good standing – those who have fulfilled the above requirements for the preceding year – may renew. Those who did not meet the previous year’s commitments must return to good standing according to the garden’s rules before they can renew.
Types of Memberships
Individual
An individual member gets one key and one vote and joins one team.
Household
A household membership encompasses those living in the same residential unit. The household membership gets one vote and one key, and is responsible for joining one team. Any and all members of the household can contribute to the team.
Institutional
Groups like schools and religious and civic organizations may join. The institutional member gets one vote and one key, and is responsible for joining one team. Any and all members of the institutional group can contribute to the team.
The terms “member” or “membership” apply equally to individual, household, and institutional members.
In the case of a household or institutional membership, the person who signs the registration form will be responsible for the household or institution.