Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Peters.
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Filbert Street Garden began in 2010 as a small community effort to address the food desert in South Baltimore. We acquired a one-acre, trash-strewn lot through Baltimore City’s Adopt-A-Lot program with a vision of transforming it into something meaningful for our neighbors.
Over the years, we’ve grown far beyond a traditional garden. While food sovereignty remains a core part of our mission, we’ve expanded to address broader issues like environmental justice, education, and recreation. In 2020, we officially became a nonprofit, allowing us to deepen our impact and better serve the community.
Today, Filbert Street Garden functions not only as a garden but also as a public green space — a safe and welcoming place where neighbors of all ages can engage with nature, enjoy free access to goats and free-range fowl, and participate in a variety of educational programs. So far this year, we’ve welcomed over 1,500 visitors, and we’re excited to continue growing with and for our community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has had its ups and downs. One of the most challenging periods was during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a source of fresh food in a neighborhood impacted by food insecurity, we saw a sharp spike in demand for essentials like eggs. When supply chains faltered, our community felt it deeply — food deserts like ours are hit hardest when access to basic needs becomes unstable.
Beyond the pandemic, we’ve faced other significant challenges that reflect the broader struggles of our neighborhood. The tragic mass shooting on July 4th, 2023, was a heartbreaking moment that shook our community. We’ve also been active in fighting against environmental threats, such as the coal pier and trash incinerator in nearby Curtis Bay — issues that disproportionately affect South Baltimore residents.
Through it all, we’ve remained committed to showing up for our neighbors, adapting to meet urgent needs, and standing alongside our community in times of crisis.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Filbert Street Garden, our work centers around community, sustainability, and access. We operate a one-acre green space in South Baltimore that serves as a public garden, education hub, and safe haven for neighbors of all ages. We specialize in urban agriculture, environmental education, and community programming — all while offering free access to farm animals like goats, chickens, and ducks.
What we’re most proud of is the way the garden has become a cornerstone of the community. We’re not just a place to grow food — we’re a space where kids learn where their food comes from, families gather, and neighbors connect. We host free events, volunteer opportunities, school field trips, and workshops that bring people together and promote environmental stewardship.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We combine food access, environmental justice, and education in a way that’s approachable, fun, and inclusive. In a neighborhood that has historically been under-resourced, we’ve created a vibrant, welcoming space where everyone is valued and empowered.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters to me most is creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. I care deeply about equity — making sure that everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to fresh food, safe green spaces, and opportunities to learn and grow.
I believe in the power of community-led change, and I’m passionate about building connections between people and the environment. Whether it’s through education, environmental justice, or simply offering a space for joy and healing, my goal is to serve in a way that uplifts others and leaves things better than I found them.
Pricing:
- Filbert Street Garden operates thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors. We’re always looking for support to help us continue providing valuable services to the community. Here are some key details about what we offer and how we sustain our work: Eggs: We supply the community with nearly 3,000 eggs annually from our flock of 50+ chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. Produce: Our open-air pantry is stocked with hundreds of pounds of fresh produce and fruits, grown in our garden plots and small orchard, which are tended by our Master Gardener. Honey: We’re proud to maintain what may be the largest bee yard in a community garden in Maryland, with 35 hives that produce over 100 gallons of honey each year. Honey is the only product we sell at the garden. If you are interested in supporting us, donations and sponsorships are always welcome to help further our mission of community service and sustainability.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://filbertstreetgarden.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filbertstreetgarden/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FilbertStreetGarden/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb3KCrPVgWlRhwg4LJ31O_A
- Other: https://square.link/u/wl8mtJ0H
