Carruthers Coastal Gardens reports volunteer-built greenhouse, classes and 1,250 trees distributed

Carruthers Coastal Gardens gave its annual presentation to council, outlining volunteer-built infrastructure, program growth and partnerships that support the nonprofit’s community garden and education programming.

Why it matters: The garden operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Seabrook and provides free education, produce donations and community planting programs. Staff and volunteers said the garden supports local food access, youth education and volunteer engagement.

Highlights from the presentation by Jesse Jones, president of Carruthers Coastal Gardens:
- Property and development: The organization manages a portion of a roughly 12-acre parcel; volunteers converted a former city storage/maintenance area into raised beds and program space starting in late 2021.
- Volunteer and community engagement: Weeks after a Facebook call, 230 people expressed interest; volunteers built beds, repaired fencing and constructed facilities. The garden counts hundreds of volunteer hours.
- Sponsors and partnerships: Sponsorships and in-kind donations include Beacon Federal Credit Union, Seabrook Association, Gulf Coast Limestone, Kemah Lumber and Botanical Interests (seed donations estimated at $30,000 value). The garden is a member of Urban Harvest and is certified by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service so volunteers can count Master Gardener hours.
- Programs and outputs: The garden has provided more than 1,200 pounds of produce to food assistance partners (weight-tracked at harvest) and runs classes for scouts and youth; it hosts beehives, compost and tree giveaways.
- Capital projects: The garden has been awarded grant funding (a port check of $24,000 was referenced in the presentation) and a greenhouse structure is under construction; the presenter said volunteers and grant support have driven facility improvements.

Council questions touched on distribution partners (Ray of Light food pantry in Shore Acres receives produce), seed distribution rules (Botanical Interests provides donated seed stock distributed to area nonprofits) and volunteer recruitment. The presentation concluded with council praise for youth engagement and the garden’s volunteer-built infrastructure.

Ending: Council received the report; no formal action was required.