The Backyard Gardeners Network (BGN) is a Lower 9th Ward based nonprofit organization whose mission is to sustain and strengthen the proudly self-sufficient and deeply rooted community of the Lower 9th Ward, using our own food growing traditions as a platform to build community, revitalize the neighborhood and preserve our cultural heritage. We currently manage two community gardens in the Lower 9
th Ward, the Laurentine Ernst Community Garden and the Guerrilla Garden, and are spearheading the development of the Ernst Garden Resource Center. Our newest project, Lower 9 Growing Strong, builds upon the community’s already-established culture of growing and preparing food to engage Lower Ninth Ward children and families in activities which promote health, close-knit community and self-reliance. We offer programming six afternoons per week for all ages, youth to elders. Sessions include hands-on gardening workshops, art activities, storytelling, food preparation demos, African-centered history events, and community food celebrations.
