Charleston, SC - The Green Heart Project, a local nonprofit focused on education, healthy food and community, is officially launching its biggest capital project to date—the Urban Farm at Enston Home. The farm will serve as a central venue for farm-to-school and outdoor education, youth development, healthy food access and community building.
“I believe youth development and education set the roots from which we all grow as a community,” said Karalee Nielsen Fallert, local restaurateur and Green Heart co-founder and board member. “I’m proud to personally invest in this campaign, and encourage others to become part of creating a resource for our community for generations to come.”
With 12 existing school partnerships throughout the Charleston area, the new downtown urban farm will be a legacy project for the organization as it marks its 10th anniversary this year. The farm will serve the community on a larger scale, bringing together three surrounding schools—James Simons Elementary, Charleston Catholic School and Charleston Math & Science—as well as the downtown community and Enston Home residents, engaging 6,500 people annually.
“In our tenth year, we’re thrilled to launch our biggest project yet. One that not only continues our existing school educational programs but brings the community together on a larger scale,” said Jesse Blom, Green Heart’s executive director. “Carrying out William Enston’s vision, the farm will provide green space and a place to gather for all.”
The planning process began after a partnership was formed in 2017 with the Charleston Housing Authority to secure the site. Green Heart then worked with long time partner SeamonWhiteside (SW+), a leader of environmentally conscious, low-impact advancements in engineering and site design, to gather community feedback and create the initial plans for the urban farm. The organization is aiming for a groundbreaking in November as part of Trident United Way’s Day of Caring.
