The Future of Care: Urban Community Agronomics

Sharing starters for native fruit trees during a community herbalism workshop. (Fun fact: Pawpaw’s are the largest native fruit tree in North America, and they have a surprisingly tropical flavor… like mango and banana!)

I met the sisters who founded Urban Community Agronomics (Durham, NC) – Delphine Sellers & Lucille Patterson – during a meeting at a local food hub, and immediately felt community. They reminded me of all the women who had a hand in raising or guiding me over the years. Ya know? The kind of women we automatically call, Ms. (first name) because they carry the energy of neighborhood aunties, teachers, and fierce, gentle leaders – all of which shines through in the mission and culture on Catawba Trail Farm, where they’re…Growing communities one seed at a time!

It may seem obvious to feature a farm when discussing permaculture; but Catawba Trail Farm is not a demonstration site for earth works and rich interplanted systems. (Although, the garden beds are lusciously diverse, and earthworks are certainly in play!). What the team and volunteers of Urban Community Agrinomics have established, is a haven of multigenerational skill building, fresh food access & sovereignty, hands-on learning, connection to the land, reparative intersectional justice, and a healthier Durham county.

The site itself is an idyllic 176 acres of wooded land, with conscious clearing for community garden plots, a teaching and children’s garden, chicken coop, bee hives, gathering spaces, and trails being carefully carved for deeper exploration and learning. Like many historic agricultural sites the land was once lived on, and stewarded by free spirits within enslaved bodies; and while some of the structures remain, the spirit of this place now resonates with joyful liberation. And in January of 2024 the Triangle Land Conservancy officially transferred ownership of the farm to Urban Community Agronomics, in one of the largest regional transfers of property from a land trust to a African American-led nonprofit.

Between monthly donation events, and local harvesting and gleaning opportunities, UCAN has donated over 100,000 lbs of fresh fruits and vegetables to community members through partnerships with local churches and community organizations. Learn more about Catawba Trail Farm and Urban Community Agronomics, here!