Last week, Little’s Charleston-based team partnered with local non-profit The Green Heart Project to revitalize the gardens at the Urban Farm at Enston Home. The initiative marked a significant milestone—our first anniversary in Charleston—and reaffirmed our commitment to the local community.
Founded in 2009, The Green Heart Project cultivates community through farm-to-school programming. Through volunteer-assisted service-learning, the Project has served over 5,000 students and community members from 18 school gardens and urban farms across the Charleston area.
“Community is at the center of our work at Little,” said Studio Principal Don Baus. “With our commitment to building a sustainable and regenerative future, it was a no-brainer to support The Green Heart Project’s efforts in our own neighborhood.”
As part of the workday, our team spruced up areas around the farm’s citrus trees and rain garden, which serves the essential purpose of managing rainwater and preventing flooding. They also spread large and small gravel around the newly built greenhouse to ensure accessible entryways for all.
FROM FARM TO CLASSROOM
In addition to the urban farm workday, our Charleston office also serves as a Farm-to-School program sponsor at Meeting Street Elementary in Brentwood. This sponsorship provides an entire year of educational materials, curriculum development, and program support.
“Sponsorships from local businesses are a critical part of our funding model for school gardens and accompanying educational programs that will reach over 4,000 preK-12th grade students across the Lowcountry this year,” said Amanda Howell, Development Director of The Green Heart Project. “We’re excited to put these dollars to good use at Meeting Street Elementary at Brentwood and to get the Little team out into the gardens for some hands-on engagement.”
The office also donated two copies of the firm’s children’s book If Buildings Could Talk to all of The Green Heart Project’s partner schools and community centers. Written and illustrated by designers and creatives at Little, the award-winning book inspires STEAM education, specifically focusing on Architecture, Engineering, and Construction.
“The Charleston community has welcomed our efforts to design buildings that are meaningful to people,” said Grace Bilicki, Community Project Facilitator in Little’s Charleston office, who helped organize the team’s volunteer day. “It’s important for us to give back and do something worthwhile for our anniversary,” she said. “We have to get our hands dirty and be involved.”
ABOUT THE GREEN HEART PROJECT
Founded in 2009, The Green Heart Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that builds urban gardens and farm-to-school programs in the area surrounding Charleston, South Carolina. With a high value placed on health, education, and community, The Green Heart Project pairs local volunteers with students to maintain school gardens while teaching academic standards and interpersonal skills. The organization educates students and volunteers about healthy local foods, fostering lasting relationships, and building community.
