A Tree Is Born In Brooklyn
HELP TO SAVE
OUR CENTER
With a $25 or $50 donation you can help us save this historical community treasure and grow our community programs
Our Mission
The Center’s goal is to be urban America’s leader in creating community awareness of ecological, horticultural and environmental concerns and to introduce inner city children to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) that foster urban beautification, earth stewardship, and community sustainability.
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Epicenter for learning and environmental development
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Horticultural and gardening classes and more
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Bringing the children of Brooklyn together with love
Bed-Stuy: A Thriving Community
Our Programs
- Gardening & Horticultural Classes
- Flower & Art Shows
- Community Activism
- Community Baby Showers
- STEM Classes
With a $25 or $50 donation you can help us grow our community programs
GoFundMe Campaign
$251,598 of our $350,000 target has been raised.
We need to raise $350,000 to pay for urgently required repairs to the front façade of all three of the brownstone buildings. The deteriorating state of the center’s façade poses a risk to public safety. Without securing the funding soon, MTEC could risk losing the buildings. In a historically Black community facing upheaval from gentrification, cost of living increases, and other threats, MTEC 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.
Our Dedication
We are dedicated to following Mrs. Carthan’s dreams of uplifting our community by creating programs that help the children and people of Bedford Stuyvesant .
20+
Programs created to help the the community and neighborhood
1500+
People have participated in our programs, courses and events
50+
Founded in 1972 Magnolia Tree Earth Center has strived to make a difference
Unity
Opportunity
& Hope
Something special is growing in Bed-Stuy, and it starts at the roots of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center. This neighborhood block party brings together music, games, artwork, and prizes under the shade of one of Brooklyn’s most iconic trees.
While the day celebrates community and culture, it also highlights an urgent goal: raising $100,000 for critical infrastructure repairs that will keep this historic space safe, accessible, and thriving for generations to come. Discover how your presence and support can help preserve a living legacy as we honor Hattie Carthan’s birthday with a ‘Paint the Town Green’ Art Exhibition and Block Party sponsored by the Brooklyn Museum.
Upcoming Events
Magnolia
Tree Earth Center
Of Bed Stuy
Block Party and
Art Exhibition
"Paint the Town Green" Founder’s Day with
Brooklyn Museum on Wheels Program
Pop-up Art Exhibit
A community-led show in honor of Hattie Carthan
Art Workshops
By the Brooklyn Museum and The Laundromat Project
Screening
Attend our documentary presentation at the Herbert Von King Performing Arts Center
Free Block Party
Music, Double Dutch jump rope, and free popsicles on Lafayette Avenue
Want To Have Your Art Work Featured In Our Show? We'd Love To Hear from You
"Paint The Town Green, It's The Hattie Carthan Way-Rise" A Private Art Exhibition Fundraiser Gala
Event Details
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Fri, Sep 13th, 2025
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT -
Magnolia Tree Earth Center
BROOKLYN, NY
Join us for an intimate and exclusive evening, “Paint The Town Green, It’s The Hattie Carthan Way-Rise”, a pre-release art exhibition and fundraising event benefiting the Magnolia Tree Earth Center, hosted by Shanelle Gabriel (Poet & Speaker), who is the epitome of gracious hospitality. This event is curated by CEO CrystalJ.
Immerse yourself in Hattie’s inspiring legacy as you enjoy a night of artistic appreciation, live jazz saxophone music, and delectable finger foods while browsing a curated collection of exceptional pieces. You will have the opportunity to acquire pieces that resonate with you before they are unveiled to the public. This is an exceptional opportunity to connect with fellow art collectors, learn more about Hattie Carthan’s profound impact, and contribute to the ongoing preservation of this important landmark.
Magnolia Tree Earth Center stands as a testament to the legacy of Hattie Carthan, a Brooklyn resident and environmental champion who, in the face of urban decay and redlining practices, spearheaded a movement to revitalize her community. Carthan was an urban farmer whose early methods involved tossing water balloons full of seeds over fences of vacant lots. The Magnolia Tree Earth Center now works to preserve the landmark magnolia tree planted in 1885, and nurture the spirit of community empowerment that Hattie embodied.
Let’s ensure that Hattie Carthan’s legacy continues to thrive for generations to come.
All funds raised through this event will allow us to purchase a much-needed boiler for the center to keep its doors open during the harsh winter months.
Our Community
We are grateful for the continual support of our community as we strive to grow and strengthen our ties to its members.
“Definitely a staple in the community. I recommend this space. It’s beautiful. A group of us planned a game night and a Kwanzaa event here.“
Christine Jackson-Mark
“This is one of the few places in Brooklyn that welcomes you with open arms. It’s a very loving strong community environment.”
Shihan Darrell McKinney
“Magnolia Tree Earth Center is a community center right in the middle of bed Stuyvesant … just celebrated 80 women that just came to this country. ”
Shariz Alamin
Courtesy of Illustrator Alice Coppini
Courtesy of Illustrator Alice Coppini
