Carnwath Community Farming 501(c)(3)

At Carnwath Community Farming, we are dedicated to cultivating thriving community gardens that foster connection, sustainability, and healthy living. Located in Wappingers Falls, NY, our mission is to empower local residents through agricultural education, collaboration, and fun—while giving back to our community with fresh produce and outreach programs.

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Accomplishments

• Community Garden Growth:

  • Started with an overgrown fence in 1 acre plot we had to bring back to life to grow in. 10 gardeners in 2024; expanded to 20 gardeners in 2025, with each growing their own plots.

• Community Events and Education:

  • Hosted an educational series where community members learned about gardening, sustainability, and farming.

• Collaboration with Wappinger Dahlia & Improvement Society:

  • Jump-started the Wappinger Dahlia & Improvement Society, working to bring back heirloom varieties and enhance the local agricultural landscape. See our events page for more.

• Support to Local Veterans and Seniors:

  • Donated 25 bouquets to veteran hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior centers, spreading joy to those in need.

• Weekly Donations to Fareground Free Food Refrigerator:

  • Consistently donated fresh produce like garlic, onions, and zucchini to ensure the community has access to nutritious food.

• Community Seed Library:

  • Built and maintain a free, well-stocked seed library at Grinnell Library, encouraging local gardeners to share and exchange seeds.

• Annual Seed Swap:

  • Held an annual seed swap each January, becoming a cherished community tradition for sharing seeds and knowledge.

Plans Ahead

• Launch of Art Walk (June 2025):

  • Showcase native flowers in the grottos along with works from 12 local artists, celebrating art, nature, and community.

• New Signage and Mapping (April 2025):

  • Launch new signage and mapping for the park’s kiosk and website to better welcome and guide visitors.

  • A very special thank you to local resident Jason Engstrom for consulting, designing, and executing this project with us so well! Jason is an incredible resource and can be found at Engstrom Technical Services for more information. 

• Lavender Field for the Community (2025):

  • Plan to plant a lavender field that will offer beauty and wellness for the community.

• Wildflower Meadows and View-shed Improvements (2026):

  • Expand wildflower meadows and improve surrounding viewsheds to enhance natural beauty for all to enjoy.

• Expansion of Garden Plots (2026):

  • Expand community garden plots due to growing demand (currently have a waitlist), allowing more people to get involved in food production.

• More On-Site Learning and Education:

  • Offer additional educational opportunities for all ages, focusing on sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.