About the gardens program
The ReWild Community Gardens Program (also known as the Gardens Program) supports community volunteer groups across Long Island in creating sustainable public garden spaces that reflect our ReWild mission: to protect and improve the biodiversity, resilience, and health of regional ecosystems—centered on the use of native plants.
This program is offered as a 2-year ReWild partnership to provide the time needed for native plant gardens to take root and thrive, while helping your group build the knowledge and confidence to maintain a successful, long-lasting garden.
For more information, email Gardens-Leads@ReWildLongIsland.org
Applications for 2027 program will open in October 2026.
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Ideal candidates for the Gardens Program are community groups who have:
Group of 3+ dedicated volunteers, who can commit to garden maintenance over the 2-year program
Access rights to a viable garden location
Reliable access to water on-site
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Selected applicants get hands-on support, including:
Professional garden design and installation consulting.
Native plants, irrigation materials, and custom signage.
Expert guidance on maintenance and weeding.
Help growing local engagement and community support.
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Prospective participants must be ready to:
Maintain the garden space for 2+ years to allow native plants to establish.
Organize weekly maintenance in the growing season.
Host 2+ educational events to engage the community.
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Samantha Jo, a Master Composter, certified in Permaculture Design and experienced in regenerative agriculture, and an accomplished home gardener, serves as Garden Project Manager
Maggie Muzante, a Farmingdale State College graduate with a passion for creating gardens as well as a photographer and artist, serves as Gardens Consultant
Nancy Depas Reinertsen and Ralph Reinertsen, community organizers and gardeners as well Slow Food East End leaders, serve as Program Co-Chairs. Nancy is also a ReWild Board Member
Raju Rajan, co-founder of ReWild and Board President, serves as Program Co-Chair
Wren Halpern, a University of Connecticut graduate with a BFA in Digital Media and Design, serves as a graphic designer for the Community Gardens Program.
Emma Diaz, a graduate with a degree in Environmental Analysis—and profound love for ecology—serves as Gardens Coordinator.
Christine Iasso, a Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in Landscape Design and Horticulture, serves as Gardens Coordinator.
Who was accepted to the program in 2026?
Read all about our new cohort of Community Garden Grant Recipients for 2026:
Watch Our Gardens Bloom!
—A huge impact on our local community—
“Since we are located on Main Street in downtown Riverhead, there are always people walking by, and we often find ourselves drawn into pleasant conversations about the garden. We consider ourselves fortunate to be able to talk to people like this about our garden efforts and the ReWild movement. It's these informal conversations that we feel have a huge impact on our local community.”
-River and Roots Community Garden, 2024 Recipient.
Long Island’s Got a Green Thumb
A look Through the years
Our community gardens span all of Long Island, with ReWild supporting a new class of recipients each year.
No matter what your soil or sun conditions may be, we take pride in being able to empower a wide range of recipients. We believe that ReWilded spaces are for everyone, and that goal has allowed us to collaborate with schools, garden clubs, museums, places of worship, and much more!
As of 2026, we are proud to have helped establish sustainable green spaces across 70+ locations.
Join with your local community and help a garden grow.
Go to events
Frequently Asked Questions
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Application enrollment opens in October and will continue on a rolling basis until we reach our capacity for the year.
Please note that we will begin interviewing eligible applicants starting November. The earlier you complete your submission, the better your chances of being considered.
This timeline allows us sufficient time to select recipients, hold consultations on garden design, schedule necessary planting days, and pre-order plants and materials.
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No, the program does not provide cash funding. Instead, ReWild offers materials such as plants, signage, and irrigation equipment, and expert guidance to ensure your garden’s success.
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Although not as common, ReWild has helped develop community gardens outside of the Long Island area. Please note however, that due to certain resource limitations and distance concerns, applicants who fall within this threshold are often considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact Gardens-Leads@ReWildLongIsland.org for inquiries and more details.
Watch Master Gardeners at Havens Homestead discuss their ReWild Community Garden.
Thank You Sponsors!
These transformative gardens are made possible through grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), Community Chest of Port Washington, the New York Pollinator Conservation Fund, The New York Community Trust, The New York Community Trust - Long Island, Long Island Sound Study (LISS) Sustainable and Resilient Communities Extension, New York State, the Office of the New York State Attorney General, New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Liberty Utilities, and National Grid.