City Gardens Club of New York City Incorporated

Overview

The City Gardens Club of New York City Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and preserving the natural beauty of New York City through various horticultural and environmental initiatives. Founded in 1918 by Frances Peters, the club has a rich history of fostering community engagement in gardening and environmental conservation.

History

Frances Peters established the City Gardens Club with a mission to address civic issues by transforming neglected spaces into greenery areas. During its early years, the club attracted prominent women such as Mrs. Andrew Carnegie and Mrs. Oliver Harriman. In the 1920s, the club became increasingly active in planting street trees and enhancing public libraries with gardens. By the mid-1920s, the membership had grown to over 600, and the club was officially incorporated[2][4].

The City Gardens Club continued to expand its efforts over the decades. In the 1940s, it established children's gardens in areas like the Lower East Side and Welfare Island. In the late 1950s, it created an occupational therapy garden at Bellevue Hospital. The club also played a role in planting trees near the former World Trade Center site after September 11, 2001[2].

Mission and Programs

The organization's mission is to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of New York City by promoting an appreciation of nature through education, horticulture, and conservation. Key programs include:

• Scholarships: Offering professional learning opportunities for NYC public school science teachers in ecology, plant science, and gardening workshops.
• Grants: Providing funding for environmental and garden projects conducted by nonprofits across New York City.
• Environmental Forums & Conservation: Hosting discussions on environmental issues and supporting horticultural projects that impact neighborhoods.
• Nature Kits: Developing collections of natural specimens and teaching materials for NYC public school classrooms[5].

Financials and Operations

The City Gardens Club generates revenue primarily from contributions and program services. The organization maintains no executive compensation for its directors and operates largely through volunteer efforts. Recent financial data shows a mix of funding sources, including contributions and program services, with total assets valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars[3].

The club continues to play a significant role in New York City's environmental and horticultural landscape, celebrating over 100 years of service to the community[5].