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. 

No upcoming events at this time.

New Produce Auctions in NYS!

Two new produce auctions are now open in New York State, bringing the total number of auctions to 10! See the new map of produce auction locations across the state and contact information.

Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be provided by the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2025 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.

New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.