Duke Farms at Detroit Shoreway

Watching a neighborhood bloom is an exciting thing. The revitalization and rebirth of the Detroit Shoreway is one of the most exciting things blooming in Cleveland. We're adding a little "green power" to the neighborhood in the form of a 6000-sq-ft. community garden, greenhouse and beekeeping. Neighbors are welcome to stop by, plant their own veggies, recycle food waste and take a look at what's growing in the greenhouse. Stop by the workshop and see what projects are going on.  

We will be using two adjoining parcels for the property which have already been purchased. 

With a year-round greenhouse and 20 raised beds, Duke Farms will be a leader in neighborhood sustainability. Grow your own food, teach others the secrets of the soil and and help keep the Detroit Shoreway green.

Utilizing several parcels on Duke Avenue, Duke Farms hopes to give birth to a true neighborhood site. Neighbors are welcome to gather during the spring, summer and fall and plant fruits, vegetables and herbs or perhaps learn about indoor gardening through the Farm's greenhouse. The site will also include a brand new beehive for fresh honey down the road and 20 raised beds for our neighbors to garden. Watch us grow by following us on our Facebook page!

Appreciating the need for local sustainable food, Duke Farms will also be an avenue for local restaurants and business to obtain the freshest greens avaialble and provide fresh produce to the local food banks. 

The tax deductibility of your contribution may be affected by goods or services received. Please contact your financial advisor with questions regarding your donation.

Week of March 1: Secure contractor to build greenhouse

April 1: Have the soil tested by the Ohio State University Extension Program.

April 1: Purchase an 8 x16 or 8 x 20 greenhouse and secure a permit for the building through Cleveland's building department. Register beehive with the city of Cleveland.

Week of April 15: Add greenhouse shelving.

Week of April 15: Purchase lumber for 20 garden beds and construct beds on site.

Week of May 1: Add soil to beds and other portions of property that require additional soil.

Watch us grow on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/dukefarmsincleveland/

Duke Farms is located in an area that has undergone a signifigant resurgence. While this is certainly a plus for the area, it has also means the loss of many longstanding community members and an influx of residents who might feel like outsiders.

This community garden is the perfect way to put new and existing residents together in a communal area for a productive environmental project: Meet, greet, teach and learn how to garden and grow your own food. It's neighbors teaching neighbors, growing your own food and sharing it with those on your street and in your community. Let's make this a year-round project (did I hear the words "Christmas Get Together?") for true nieghborhood bonding. 

The farm is a rare opportunity to use and create green space in an urban area. And we're hoping to do good! Surplus food will be offered to area food banks. 

Here are five great ways Duke Farms will benefit the environment:

1. Reduce Carbon Emissions: 

By localizing produce, our urban farm will cut down on the significant amount of fossil fuel consumption necessary to transport, package, and sell food. Did you know the average meal travels more than 4,000 miles to get to your table? Urban agriculture helps consumers reduce their “foodprint” by providing an opportunity to purchase food that was grown right here in Cleveland

2. Community Building:

Gardens create more than healthy food. Duke Farms will bring people together with a common interest — food. The overall health of a community is benefited by increasing its capacity to create an environment that truly sustains its residents. Most urban farming projects require a high level of social organization, giving many individuals in the community a vested interest in its success.

3. Children and Adult education:

We’re involving children and adults alike in education around sustainable, local agriculture, farmers increase the health of our future food systems.

4. Green Space

Agriculture in cities provides green space. In the tightly-housed Detroit Shoreway community this is a huge bonus! Green space contributes to the health of city ecosystems in a variety of ways including reduced runoff from precipitation, providing a respite for community members and countering the “heat island effect” by fixing carbon through photosynthesis.

5. Bees!

Duke Farms will include a beehive for local honey and to help pollinate all those fruits and vegetables on the property. 

The tax deductibility of your contribution may be affected by goods or services received. Please contact your financial advisor with questions regarding your donation.