The Magnolia Tree Earth Center has been a mainstay on Lafayette Avenue since the 1970s but is now at risk of being shut down, according to local leaders.  

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced a $20,000 grant for the center to assist in its current need for repairs. The center currently resides in an old brownstone that staff says requires lots of upkeep, and has been up and running since 1972.

The current goal is to raise at least $160,000 for repairs on the front façade, and they are approximately $40,000 from that goal. Staff says they’ll need around $350,000 for all of the necessary repairs, including the front façade.  

Hattie Carthan led the fight to save the brownstones and a magnolia tree sitting in front of it over five decades ago, and now that center serves as a space for teaching Brooklyn residents how to care for their community and the environment.  

The center has raised $52,000 via GoFundme. Click here to join the fight in saving the Magnolia Tree Earth Center.