North Austin News

Gardener Harvé Franks, our newest Net-Zero Hero, is working to honor and celebrate the history of Austin's African American gardeners, farmers, and changemakers. Inspired by the generations before her, Harvé is dedicated to elevating the stories of Austin's Black community through her work as the first Community Garden Coordinator at the City of Austin's George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center.

"I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by growing food and trees on private and public properties to fight hunger and create a more abundant earth," Harvé explains, highlighting her commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

Harvé's passion for gardening stems from her upbringing, where she was introduced to farming by her grandparents. She shares, "My family was based in Austin, and we spent weekends and summers in the surrounding agricultural communities. I was introduced to gardening at an early age and, as a child, was taught farming by my grandparents — who passed down the knowledge from their grandparents before them."

Reflecting on her journey, Harvé mentions the impact of Ted Fisher, the Travis County Extension Agent, on her gardening career. She recalls, "Twenty years ago, I took his course to become a Master Gardener. It was the last course he taught, and at the time, I was one of two of the first African American Master Gardeners in Austin."

Through her role at the Carver Museum, Harvé has been able to engage the community in horticulture, offering various programs and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. She shares, "The most rewarding part is seeing how gardening can bring so many people of different ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds together."

Despite the challenges she faces in juggling her various projects and community initiatives, Harvé remains dedicated to her mission. She expresses her desire to educate the public on water conservation, gardening practices, and the cultural legacy of African Americans in Austin. Harvé's goal is to reach out to schools, community centers, and neighborhoods to promote the importance of sustainable practices and community engagement.

Harvé's deep connection to the land and her family's farming legacy is evident in her work. She recounts her experiences at her grandparents' farm and her efforts to pass on her knowledge through programs like the Farm-to-Table Summer Camp. Harvé's commitment to creating a food forest at her grandfather's old peanut farm showcases her dedication to preserving the land and sharing its legacy with the community.

In closing, Harvé encourages others to connect with nature and engage in gardening as a way to add beauty to the environment and promote healing. She emphasizes the importance of trying new things and finding ways to cultivate a relationship with plants and the natural world.

As a Net-Zero Hero, Harvé Franks exemplifies the spirit of community, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Her efforts to honor Austin's African American gardening legacy and promote a greener, more abundant earth serve as an inspiration to all.