We raised $541.48 in Donations, $2,500 in Grant Funding, $8,935 in Co-Founder Investments, and $24,005 in Revenue.

We raised a total of $35,981.48 for the East Side of Buffalo!

Restoring Land and Strengthening Community Assets
Our stewardship work expanded across three community sites totaling 73,167 square feet(1.68 acres), where we planted, mowed, cleared debris, repaired structures, and supported fruit trees and berry bushes.

Built 14 raised beds, 1 seed library, 1 book library, & repaired and repainted the CS53 garden gazebo

Planted 40+ Western New York perennials and 2 trees

Supported/led 10 neighborhood cleanups, removing 2,400 pounds of trash and recyclables

Acquired and utilized 150+ tools and materials, including 45 field tools, 50 indoor grow supplies, 40 plant and soil items, and 20 construction materials

Building Youth Leadership and Green Workforce Skills

ESS delivered hands-on environmental education rooted in horticulture, stewardship, and climate awareness.

Engaged 80 youth ages 8 to 21 through community garden days and urban farm learning experiences

Provided 200 volunteer hours applicable to high school graduation requirements and college service needs

Hosted On The Road to Environmental Justice, an interactive workshop for teens and adults exploring environmental justice, identity, civic responsibility, and community care

Growing a Network of Stewards and Community Partners

Community engagement shaped every part of our work in 2025.

Engaged 350+ volunteers across 22 service-learning events focused on planting, composting, raised bed construction, outreach, and seasonal maintenance

Reached 1,000+ residents through events, tabling, collaborations, and community conversations

Partnered with 25 organizations, onboarding 12 new partners into our network

Recruited 7 community leaders to serve on our Community Advisory Council and our upcoming 2026 Executive Leadership Board

Expanding Food Access and Community Care

Our food production and distribution programs addressed local needs with dignity and direct support.

Grew over 550 pounds of fresh produce from CAgrO Urban Farm and CS53 Community Garden

Coordinated the Give Thanks Giveaway. Distributed 230 turkeys, 1,700 pounds of produce, 150 gallons of milk and dozens of eggs, 500 canned and boxed goods, 150 diapers and dozens of formula units, 350 pieces of winterwear and clothing, 175 weatherization kits, 50 mini flashlights, 40 hygiene items

Added 4 new raised beds, a composting station, and a rainwater catchment system, building a foundation for long-term food production and ecological sustainability.

Grew and distributed est. 200 pounds of fresh, organic food and herbs, addressing food insecurity and improving access to nutritious options for local residents.

Hosted 8 service days, engaging 150+ community members and students in hands-on activities that fostered skills, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility for green spaces.

Partnered with BuffState STEP and TEIR 30 Consulting to deliver a 2-week workshop on environmental justice and regenerative economies to 8 high school students, culminating in a field trip for hands-on learning.

Launched a petition to protect the CS53 Community Garden and took critical steps toward an official stewardship agreement with the City of Buffalo, advocating for sustainable, community-driven green spaces.

Invested $4,250 into land stewardship, equipment, and operations while raising $418 in donations, ensuring funds were reinvested into the community and future projects.