Makela Elvy

Urban Garden Leadership Curriculum Specialist

cell 347-804-5820
email Makela

Areas of Interest
NYC community garden leadership, soil health, and composting

After completing 2 years as an Urban Garden Specialist with Harvest NY, supporting gardens in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, Makela now is serving the team as an Urban Garden Leadership Curriculum Specialist. In her new role, Makela works directly with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to create and implement a curriculum aimed at increasing leadership skills of community gardeners across NYS.

A native New Yorker, Makela attended DePauw University, Indiana majoring in Environmental Geoscience, and has her MS from Concordia University - Portland in Curriculum and Instruction. Makela has been involved in a number of environmental experiences in NYC, including being the Compost Outreach Coordinator at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden on Staten Island. 

Pruning & Fruit Tree Health 101

December 13, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Cambria Heights, NY

Join us at Cambria Heights Community Garden for a free, hands-on workshop with CCE Harvest NY Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman. Participants will learn about basic tree maintenance and pruning techniques. Proper winter care helps trees conserve energy, prevent damage from cold weather, and prepare for growth in the spring.  

Pruning & Fruit Tree Health 101 (Flushing, NY)

January 25, 2026
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Flushing, NY

Join us at Ridgewood Community Garden for a free, hands-on workshop with CCE Harvest NY Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman. Participants will learn about basic tree maintenance and pruning techniques. Proper winter care helps trees conserve energy, prevent damage from cold weather, and prepare for growth in the spring.