The Floyd Bennett Gardens Association, Inc. (FBGA) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit community garden located in Gateway National Recreation Park Jamaica Bay Unit on Floyd Bennett Field.
FBGA is open to all residents of NYC regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability. Garden plots are assigned on a first come first serve basis based as indicated on the postmarked date of the application. A 5 year waiting list is maintained. Applicants are contacted when plots become available. Only one plot per household may be assigned in any given year. Garden plots are assigned annually. Members in good standing may renew their membership keeping the same plot indefinitely. FBGA is governed by By-laws and Rules and Policy Regulations and members must follow them or forfeit their gardens.
FBGA operates with the assistance of committed volunteers both individuals and committee members, Chairs who supervise committees, a Board of Directors and 5 elected positions: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary. Elected officials serve
for 2 years. At present, there are no term limits. The President chooses chairs and as a result chairs become board members.
Membership fees: $50 per year and 4 hours of community service. A late fee is applied if payment is received after the due date—January 31. If interested in joining the organization, fill out the New Member Application. Click on the About button and download the form. Mail it to the address at the top of the form. Do not send money with your application.
Revised Map of FBGA- Download PDF
History
The Community Gardens were established at Floyd Bennett Field in 1970 and were managed by Cornell University Agricultural Extensions under the direction of the National Parks Service (NPS). In 1996, FBGA was formed as an independent, not-for-profit organization by the extant garden membership. In 1997, the NPS and FBGA entered into a joint partnership under a Memorandum of Understanding, which permits gardeners to manage and develop the organization through a set of by-laws, elected officers, a board of directors and standing committees. Each member agrees to contribute community service within the organization. Officers are elected by the membership and serve for a term of two years. In 1999, FBGA obtained recognition from the US Internal Revenue Service as an educational/non-profit organization and was approved to operate under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code.
Who We Are
The Floyd Bennett Gardens Association, Inc. (FBGA) not-for-profit organization of community gardeners focuses on building community through gardening in the urban environment of the New York metropolitan area at Floyd Bennett Field part of Gateway National Recreation Area Jamaica Bay Unit. The field was originally New York City’s first municipal airport and is located in the southeast corner of Brooklyn, New York off Flatbush Avenue. The site features five activity areas: 600 (10×20) foot plots which make up the community gardens, the community composting area, the Children’s Garden, the Champions of Courage Garden (which allows the physically challenged an opportunity plant and grow using raised beds, the Picnic/BBQ Area and a wildlife Habitat created to enhance the natural environment for the wildlife that call Floyd Bennett Field home, gardeners, bird watchers and the public at large. Close to 600 members, their families tend their garden plots during the growing season, which extends from April 1 through October 31.
Cultural Diversity
FBGA’s membership comprises an astoundingly diverse group of people, representing all economic and social levels, from all parts of the world, ranging in ages from 18 to over 90. Our group reflects the heritage of New York’s 8 million residents. Our members are students, teachers, doctors, lawyers, administrators, engineers, artists, writers, musicians, public service employees, plumbers, electricians, and retirees, to name a few. Our organization hosts frequent informal social events and several major gatherings throughout the year for members, their families and friends. We offer educational workshops to members and the public on topics ranging from growing herbs, flowers and vegetables, crafts, preserving foods, gardening techniques and products, crop rotation, and composting. We publish a quarterly newsletter, maintain a website and pages on social media. We assist the community at large in their organizations by giving workshops, acting as judges and consultants to groups including the Botanical Gardens and HOSTA College. Our children’s program introduces a new generation to gardening, recycling and environmental awareness creating the future stewards of the environment. Our mission is to bring people and plants together in a meaningful ways.