Rabbit Hole Farm

For the last decade, Rabbit Hole Farm in Newark has served as a vital community gathering place, providing fresh produce, cultural herbs, and environmental education to Newark’s South Ward residents. As a lush resource in an area historically burdened with economic and social challenges, the nonprofit farm plays a key role in addressing food insecurity and fostering cultural identity. However, recent concerns about a volatile real estate market and fiscal pressures on local government may lead to the sale of the farm to commercial interests, putting an end to its operations and eliminating an invaluable source of food, cultural programming, and community connection.

Trust for Public Land’s goal is to work with the local community to ensure Rabbit Hole Farm stays in public hands  so this cherished green space can continue to serve as a sanctuary for Newark’s residents. The farm’s diverse offerings—from its peach and cherry trees to okra and medicinal herbs—are indispensable to the multicultural neighborhood.  We’ll collaborate with farm operators to make essential improvements, such as installing a dedicated water line and creating an outdoor classroom, to keep this farm as a sustainable community resource.

Rabbit Hole Farm doesn’t only provide physical nourishment, but it also nourishes a sense of cultural belonging and pride for the diverse immigrant populations that call this part of Newark home. As one of the few outdoor spaces offering cultural programming tailored to multicultural communities in the city, this beautiful safe haven is a sacred space for cultural exchange and healing.

Our work here is part of a broader effort to revitalize Newark’s South Ward and combat food insecurity through grassroots initiatives like community gardens, led by organizations such as Greater Newark Conservancy and TPL. The preservation of Rabbit Hole Farm will be a cornerstone in this movement, fostering stronger connections to the land and among neighbors.