Our History:

The Georgia Street Community Garden was started by Mark Covington, a  lifelong resident of the neighborhood near Harper and Gratiot (City Airport Neighborhood).  After loosing his job in December 2007, Mark began cleaning up four empty lots near his grandmother's and mother's house.  Mark (known to many as "Cub" from the DetroitYes! forum (www.detroityes.com) only intended to police the lot's litter and garbage. But as he cleared away the corner, he became inspired to turn it into a community garden.

With the help of volunteers, and the Garden Resource Program, these empty lots became the first of the Georgia Street Community Collective's Gardens/Farm.  Mark began to think in bigger terms...terms like revitalization of the neighborhood, helping the seniors and the youth of the neighborhood, and more.  He had a vision for the area, but knew that he could not accomplish all of it alone.

On November 2, 2008 the GSCC board was formed, the Mission Statement was drafted and work was begun on how to achieve the goals. Given the success of the project, Covington was inspired to add an educational component, using the garden/farm as a way to mentor students. GSCC has refurbished an old storefront and its attached home into a community center with a community room, kitchen, computer lab, and library. And the project keeps growing. The garden/farm now comprises 17 lots on Georgia and Vinton, including a fruit orchard.

Our Directors:

Mark Covington, President/Director

Percell Jordan, Vice President

Lorraine Covington, Treasurer/Secretary/Co-Director

Peggy Thomas, Member

Phillip Laurie,  Member

Judy Locke, Member

Kristine Hahn, Member

Phyllis Zimmerman, Secretary (Emeritus)

Bob Hovansian, Member(Emeritus)

Tammy Watt, Member (Emeritus)