Our Heritage

Nurturing Nature and Community Through Historic Preservation

Honoring the Past, Building a Sustainable Future Together

For nearly 150 years, Magnolia Tree Earth Center has embodied resilience and environmental stewardship in Bed-Stuy. Founded by Hattie Carthan, it preserves the historic Magnolia Grandiflora and three row houses, offering education and community programs. Join us in celebrating this legacy and fostering a sustainable future.

The Tree Lady

Hattie Carthan's journey as a pioneering environmentalist began in the 1960s when she moved from Virginia to Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Despite being a retired grandmother, her passion for nature and community led her to become a central figure in urban environmentalism. Carthan quickly recognized the need for green spaces in the densely built environment of Bed-Stuy, a historically Black neighborhood facing numerous social and economic challenges. She believed that trees and greenery could significantly improve the quality of life for residents, providing not only aesthetic and environmental benefits but also fostering a sense of community and pride.

Carthan's early efforts included forming the Tompkins and Throop Block Association, known as the T & T. This group of dedicated neighbors worked together to plant and care for trees in their community. Carthan's charisma and determination were instrumental in encouraging residents to invest their time and resources into these green initiatives. She often faced resistance; some neighbors were initially reluctant to participate, concerned about the maintenance required for trees. However, Carthan’s persuasive nature and unwavering commitment eventually won them over.

Her most famous project was the fight to save the Magnolia Grandiflora, a rare southern evergreen tree that had somehow thrived in the urban environment of Brooklyn. When Carthan learned that the tree and the surrounding row houses were slated for demolition to make way for an apartment complex, she sprang into action. She founded the Magnolia Tree Committee to raise awareness and funds to save the tree. Through innovative fundraising efforts, including selling magnolia leaves for a raffle, Carthan and her team managed to secure the necessary funds. Her efforts culminated in a successful bid to have the tree designated as a living landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1970.

Carthan’s legacy extends beyond the preservation of individual trees. She played a crucial role in catalyzing the city’s matching tree program, which facilitated the planting of approximately 1,500 trees in Bed-Stuy. Her work laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center, which continues to serve as a hub for environmental education and community engagement. Today, Carthan is remembered not just as a savior of trees but as a visionary who understood the profound impact of green spaces on urban life.

Brooklyn’s Living Landmark

The Magnolia Grandiflora at 677 Lafayette Avenue stands as a testament to the power of community action and resilience in the face of urban development pressures. Planted in the 19th century, this magnificent tree is an anomaly in Brooklyn, thriving far north of its typical southern habitat. Its large white lemon-scented blossoms and evergreen foliage make it a striking presence in the neighborhood, drawing the admiration of residents and visitors alike.

The tree’s survival is closely tied to the history of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center. In the 1960s, as Bed-Stuy faced significant urban development pressures, the Magnolia Grandiflora became a symbol of the community’s fight to preserve its natural and historical heritage. The tree was originally threatened by a proposed apartment complex that required the demolition of the row houses that surrounded it. Hattie Carthan’s relentless advocacy led to the formation of the Magnolia Tree Committee, which succeeded in raising the funds necessary to protect the tree and the houses.

In 1970, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission recognized the tree’s significance by designating it as a living landmark. This was a groundbreaking decision, as it was one of the first times the commission had granted such status to a living organism. The designation highlighted the tree’s importance as a natural phenomenon that had managed to thrive in an urban environment far from its usual habitat. The commission’s report noted the tree’s potential to inspire and educate future generations of nature lovers.

Today, the Magnolia Grandiflora continues to stand as a beacon of resilience. Its presence serves as a reminder of the community’s successful efforts to protect their environment and heritage. The tree is not just a botanical rarity; it is a living symbol of the power of grassroots activism and the enduring impact of Hattie Carthan’s work. The Magnolia Tree Earth Center, named in honor of this remarkable tree, continues to educate the public about the importance of environmental stewardship and community action.

A Historic Preservation

The three row houses at 677, 678, and 679 Lafayette Avenue are more than just buildings; they are a testament to the community’s commitment to preservation and the legacy of Hattie Carthan’s environmental activism. These houses, which were saved from demolition in the 1970s, now form the backbone of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center. Their preservation is a remarkable story of community action, historical significance, and the ongoing struggle to maintain the cultural and environmental heritage of Bed-Stuy.

In the late 1960s, the city’s Housing and Development Administration planned to demolish these historic row houses to make way for a new apartment complex. The proposed development included a parking lot that required the removal of the Magnolia Grandiflora and the surrounding houses. Hattie Carthan, who had already established herself as a formidable advocate for green spaces, recognized the threat this posed to the community’s heritage and the environment.

Carthan’s campaign to save the row houses and the magnolia tree involved mobilizing the community and raising funds through creative means. The Magnolia Tree Committee, which she founded, organized events and initiatives to garner support and financial contributions. Their efforts paid off when the Housing and Development Administration agreed to sell the houses to the Magnolia Tree Earth Center for a nominal fee. This victory was not just about saving buildings; it was about preserving a vital part of the community’s history and identity.

The row houses themselves are significant examples of 19th-century architecture, featuring the distinctive brownstone facades that are characteristic of Brooklyn’s historical neighborhoods. Over the years, these buildings have housed the Magnolia Tree Earth Center, providing space for environmental education programs, community meetings, and other activities. The center has offered classes on gardening and urban forestry, empowering residents with the knowledge and skills to care for their environment.

However, the preservation of these historic houses has not been without challenges. In recent years, the buildings have suffered from neglect and lack of funding for necessary repairs. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, leading to financial difficulties and a halt in planned renovations. The facades of 678 and 679 Lafayette Avenue, in particular, have deteriorated, and the buildings are now covered in scaffolding. The center has faced significant fines from the city for violations related to building maintenance.

Despite these challenges, the Magnolia Tree Earth Center remains committed to preserving its historic buildings and continuing its mission. The current fundraising campaign aims to raise $350,000 to complete the overdue repairs and remove the scaffolding. Success in this endeavor would not only restore the buildings but also enhance the center’s ability to secure larger grants and expand its environmental programs. The goal is to ensure that the center remains a vibrant part of the community, continuing to educate and inspire future generations.

The story of the row houses at 677, 678, and 679 Lafayette Avenue is a powerful example of the community’s dedication to preserving its heritage. It underscores the importance of grassroots activism and the impact of individual efforts in safeguarding cultural and environmental treasures. As the Magnolia Tree Earth Center approaches its 50th anniversary, it calls on the community to support its mission and help maintain the legacy of Hattie Carthan. By doing so, they ensure that the center can continue to serve as a beacon of resilience and environmental stewardship in Bed-Stuy for many years to come.