Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga

At Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga, we are passionate about sustainable agriculture, and the power of locally grown food. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Clifton Hills neighborhood, just outside of downtown Chattanooga, this 22-acre urban farm has been a beacon of sustainable farming practices and a hub for community development since its inception. Crabtree’s unique approach to urban farming and community building was seeded in 1998 through an innovative partnership between local visionaries and the City of Chattanooga. Over the years, the farm has evolved and expanded, but the core values have remained steadfast. Today, Crabtree Farms is a thriving, multifaceted organization that encompasses not only sustainable agriculture but also educational programs, community outreach, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Our mission is to expand access to locally grown food, provide farm based educational opportunities, and cultivate community. The land that Crabtree Farms is on has been in agricultural use for over 200 years and was originally stewarded by Native Americans, most recently the Cherokee Nation, who were forcefully removed through colonization. In the early 1800’s, a plantation named Oakland was established where enslaved people were forced to work. The impending civil war forced the assumed owner to flee and sell the property to Arthur P. Watkins, who later left the house to his family. Near the time of WWI, a large portion of the original plantation was sold for development and the resulting neighborhood was annexed to the city in 1925. Several decades later, John Crabtree purchased a portion of land along Chattanooga Creek and began to farm the property. 50 years later, the property belonged to Mike Mc Gauley who donated it to the city of Chattanooga with the stipulation that it remain in agricultural use. After being connected with Will Bailey, a local visionary who wanted to start a community farm, Crabtree Farms was born in November of 1998. It is so incredibly important that we acknowledge the whole history of this land and honor all of the hands that have shaped it into what it is today. To those who came before us and especially those who did not have a choice to stay or leave, we honor and thank you. We believe that acknowledgement is but a first step in beginning to heal the wounds of our past. Moving forward means that we must be intentional in our efforts as a community organization to help grow a healthier, stronger, and more equitable Chattanooga. Working towards food justice for all, especially those disproportionately affected by systemic oppression, colonization, and racism, must be a guiding force in carrying out our mission. At Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga, we are dedicated to equity, inclusivity, and justice within the realm of food production and distribution. We recognize that access to healthy and sustainably grown food is a fundamental human right, and we are committed to ensuring that this right is realized by all, irrespective of their background, socioeconomic status, race, or citizenship. Accessible Food for All Eliminating Disparities Inclusivity in Our Programs Supporting Underserved Communities Fair Employment Practices Sustainable and Equitable Farming Advocacy and Education lsimmons@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Director of Farm Programs chagen@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Director of Horticulture agero@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Director of Development & Administration rcerezo@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Greenhouse & Urban Farm Support Urban Farm Production Coordinator gcastillo@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Greenhouse & Gardens Coordinator Volunteer & Education Coordinator cwatts@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Sarah Marquez Berestecky Community Food & Land Access Coordinator sberestecky@crabtreefarms.org423-493-9155 Jill Allen Second Story Padgett Arnold Sequatchie Cove Creamery Kenyatta Ashford Neutral Ground Richard Beeland City