Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford Inc. will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the first phase of renovations of the institution’s three brownstones in front of its headquarters at 677 Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn, New York on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at 5pm.

For over a decade the front façades of the Center buildings have been hidden by scaffolding and the landmark Magnolia Grandiflora tree has been covered up by a sidewalk shed. Now, after tremendous support from members of the Bedford Stuyvesant community and beyond, the first stage of restoring the Center to its former glory will be unveiled to the public.

Over $350,000 was raised to complete the façade work via a Go Fund Me platform campaign and some exceptional donors who stepped up, including Brooklyn Borough President Reynoso, Rev. Dr. A. R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center, The Brooklyn Foundation, The Mellon Foundation and Brooklyn resident Joseph Steinberg.

Magnolia Tree, which celebrates its 53rd anniversary this year, was founded by Hattie Carthan, a trailblazing environmental activist and resident of Bedford Stuyvesant who saved the three brownstones and the magnolia tree from being demolished. With this amazing facelift, community residents are encouraged the Center is set to operate for another 50 years, expanding its mission of encouraging residents to care for the environment, promoting tree planting and gardening in urban settings, and preserving cultural landmarks in the community.

At a time when any neglected space in the city is being purchased and converted into luxury housing it is great to see the community come together to support an institution that provides environmental education and a safe community space that all can enjoy.