Community Invited to Spring Clean-Up

Community Invited to Spring Clean-Up at Flourish Community Garden in Benton Harbor

The Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation (BHCDC) is calling on community members to help kick off another growing season at the Flourish Community Garden with two upcoming clean-up days. Volunteers are invited to lend a hand at the garden, located at 820 Broadway in Benton Harbor, on Friday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again on Friday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The clean-up events are open to all ages and experience levels. Participants will help prepare planting beds, clear debris, and beautify the space in anticipation of a busy summer of programming and planting.

Established in 2022, the Flourish Community Garden has become a vibrant community gathering space rooted in food sovereignty, neighborhood pride, and social connection. Once a vacant lot, the space was transformed with the help of local volunteers, businesses, and nonprofit partners.

“The idea for the garden came from a community visioning project called Reimagining Community,” said Ashley Hines, Executive Director of BHCDC. “Residents expressed a desire for more green space, access to fresh food, and ways to connect. The garden is now a living reflection of those hopes.”

With support from the Berrien Community Foundation’s Big Idea Grant and Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, the BHCDC expanded the garden services to include distribution to the Benton Harbor High School food pantry, as well as home garden kits for residents. The garden has since hosted a variety of events, including open houses, youth mentoring sessions, food-focused workshops, and wellness activities.

Volunteers have played a crucial role in the garden’s success. Past supporters include local groups and organizations such as United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Let Us R.E.S.T., St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club, Whirlpool’s FOCUS group, Andrews University and the 400 B.L.A.C.K. Mentoring Program.

“Clean-Up Days are more than just maintenance, they're an opportunity to build community and set the tone for the season ahead,” Hines added. “We’re excited to see new and familiar faces come together to help the garden Flourish.”

Volunteers can sign up at bentonharborcdc.org/flourish. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments will be provided.