Sitting along Lafayette Avenue in three brownstones, the Magnolia Tree Earth Center is a homegrown hub of environmental education and advocacy.
The Magnolia Tree Earth Center was founded in 1972 by Hattie Carthan, a pioneering Black environmentalist. It represents a Black-founded, -owned, and -led institution whose mission is rooted in social justice, self-determination and land ownership by and for the Bed-Stuy community.
The Center is also home to a 140-year-old, 40-foot Magnolia Grandiflora tree, one of New York City’s last living landmarks.
Today, after years of community service, the building’s facade poses a risk to public safety and without urgent repairs, the center could lose its long-time home in the three brownstones.
On July 12, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso will be on-site at the Magnolia Tree Earth Center at 677 Lafayette Ave. in Brooklyn, where he is expected to pledge funding support for the essential repairs on the building.
The funding support and essential repairs are expected to preserve the building, allowing the Center to continue to function and protect its beloved Magnolia Grandiflora tree. For more information, click here.
