About

About Crabtree Farms

At Crabtree Farms of Chattanooga, we are passionate about sustainable agriculture, and the power of locally grown food. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Clifton Hills neighborhood, just outside of downtown Chattanooga, this 22-acre urban farm has been a beacon of sustainable farming practices and a hub for community development since its inception.

Crabtree’s unique approach to urban farming and community building was seeded in 1998 through an innovative partnership between local visionaries and the City of Chattanooga. Over the years, the farm has evolved and expanded, but the core values have remained steadfast. Today, Crabtree Farms is a thriving, multifaceted organization that encompasses not only sustainable agriculture but also educational programs, community outreach, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

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Our Mission

Our mission is to expand access to locally grown food, provide farm based educational opportunities, and cultivate community.

History

Crabtree Farms is rooted in a place with a long and layered history. The land we steward today has been shaped by generations of people who have lived, worked, and cared for it over time.

The land that Crabtree Farms is on has been in agricultural use for over 200 years and was originally stewarded by Native Americans, most recently the Cherokee Nation.

In the early 1800’s, a plantation named Oakland was established where enslaved people were forced to work. The impending civil war forced the assumed owner to flee and sell the property to Arthur P. Watkins, who later left the house to his family. Near the time of WWI, a large portion of the original plantation was sold for development and the resulting neighborhood was annexed to the city in 1925.

Several decades later, John Crabtree purchased a portion of land along Chattanooga Creek and began to farm the property. 50 years later, the property belonged to Mike McGauley who donated it to the city of Chattanooga with the stipulation that it remain in agricultural use. After being connected with Will Bailey, a local visionary who wanted to start a community farm, Crabtree Farms was born in November of 1998.

It is important that we acknowledge the whole history of this land and honor all of the hands that have shaped it into what it is today. Since its founding, Crabtree Farms has grown into a place where food, land access, education, and community come together. We carry this history forward by caring for the land in ways that honor its past while supporting a healthy, resilient future for our community.

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Commitment to Community & Stewardship

At Crabtree Farms, we believe that access to fresh, locally grown food, land, and education strengthens the entire community and builds lasting connections.

Our work is rooted in a commitment to serve Chattanooga, especially our neighboring communities of Clifton Hills, East Lake and Alton Park, by creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect with the land and participate in building a more resilient local food system.

We carry out this commitment through:

Expanding Access to Food

We grow and distribute fresh food through partnerships and programs that increase availability across our community.

Hands-On Education

We provide learning opportunities for youth and adults to build knowledge and skills in agriculture, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.

Community Partnerships

We collaborate with local organizations, schools, and community groups to extend our reach and better serve the needs of Chattanooga residents.

Welcoming Participation

We strive to create an environment where individuals and families of all backgrounds feel comfortable engaging with the farm, whether attending an event, volunteering, or participating in programming.