About Heart & Soil People’s Garden: Empowering Women, Nourishing Communities, and Cultivating Sustainable Futures
Discover our journey and learn more about our commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive community garden.
Nestled in the heart of Central Phoenix, Heart & Soil People’s Garden has since blossomed into a dynamic hub that brings together local residents, businesses, and organizations with a shared commitment to making a positive impact on our environment, local food systems, and the lives of women and people of color in the area.
Chanika “Nika” Forte, Founder & CEO
Nika Forte is the Founder and CEO of Heart and Soil Ancestral Garden, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 39-4100230) rooted in food sovereignty, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment in Phoenix, Arizona.
A multi-generational farmer with deep roots in Alabama and Michigan, Nika built her career in agriculture from the ground up. She currently serves as Director of Agriculture and Farming at St. Vincent de Paul, where she founded and developed the organization’s entire urban farming division. Under her leadership, the program connects vulnerable communities to fresh, chemical-free produce while providing hands-on education in growing, harvesting, and sustainability.
Nika is also one of the few Black female beekeepers in Arizona and the founder of BaeHive, a sisterhood dedicated to training women of color in apiculture. Through her companion program ABC Mobile (Agriculture, Bees, and Composting), she brings agricultural education directly to underserved communities. She is the author of EcoDiversity Tales, a children’s book series celebrating African American contributions to beekeeping and land stewardship.
Heart and Soil Ancestral Garden was designated a USDA People’s Garden and produces over 14,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables annually for families in one of Phoenix’s most underserved food deserts.
Our Work
Our Story
Our People
Heart & Soil People’s Garden was founded by Chanika Forte, a passionate advocate for community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and food sovereignty. Inspired by her experiences as the founder of BaeHive, a beekeeping program that empowers women and people of color, and ABC Mobile, an educational program that promotes sustainable agriculture, beekeeping, and composting skills, Chanika envisioned a garden that would provide a nurturing space for women growers and entrepreneurs while fostering a thriving, eco-conscious community.
Our Team
Our Promise
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers is the lifeblood of Heart & Soil People’s Garden. Each member brings unique skills, perspectives, and experiences to the table, united by a common passion for uplifting women, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering community connections. Together, we work tirelessly to provide high-quality programs and services that enrich the lives of our members and contribute to the overall well-being of our community.
Our Partnership
Our Promise
Collaboration is at the heart of our work at Heart & Soil People’s Garden. We’re proud to partner with the USDA People’s Garden Initiative, Local First AZ, and Phoenix Local Organizing Committee to expand our impact and create new opportunities for our members. By joining forces with these esteemed organizations, we’re able to provide access to fresh, healthy produce, share valuable knowledge and resources, and create a network of support that empowers our community to grow and thrive.
Our Commitment
Our Promise
At Heart & Soil People’s Garden, our commitment goes beyond creating a beautiful space for our members to grow and learn. We strive to be a catalyst for positive change in our community, promoting food sovereignty, cultural pride, and environmental stewardship. Through our various programs and initiatives, we aim to provide opportunities for economic development, community engagement, and personal growth, helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Discover Opportunities for Growth, Connection, and Empowerment at Heart & Soil People’s Garden
At Heart & Soil People’s Garden, we provide a diverse range of offerings designed to inspire personal growth, foster community connections, and empower our members. Engage in unique experiences that align with our core values and contribute to a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Grow Spaces
Cultivate your own produce in our dedicated grow spaces, a separate grow area is available exclusively for community members within a 3-mile radius.
Workshops
Expand your knowledge and skills through our wide range of workshops and classes, including yoga, self-defense, container gardening, composting, and seasonal planting.
Vendor Spaces
Showcase your products or services in our diverse marketplace, surrounded by a community of like-minded individuals.
Some of Our Services
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Lawns & Turf
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Trees & Hedges
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Brick & Rockery
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Get Involved
Join our community of passionate individuals working together to make a positive impact on our environment, our local food systems, and the lives of women and people of color in the Phoenix area. Whether you’re interested in renting a grow space, attending a workshop, or volunteering your time, there’s a place for you at Heart & Soil People’s Garden.
