About Heritage Urban Farms

Kiandra Parks of Heritage Urban Farms at a farmer's market stand with eggplants, garlic, and cucumbers for sale.

Founder, Kiandra Parks, brings over a decade of experience in managing outdoor spaces. Throughout her career, she has cultivated strong relationships with local community gardens and Bright Spot Urban Farm. Kiandra's vision to tackle food insecurity and empower city residents to grow their own food was shaped by her life-changing experience as an AmeriCorps farm apprentice at Bright Spot Urban Farm, a social enterprise of West End Neighborhood House.

Kiandra's knowledge of the local food ecosystem is complemented by the specialized training she received as a Beginner Farmer at the University of Delaware's Cooperative Extension. Kiandra collaborates with organizations such as the Delaware Nature Society, the University of Delaware, the New Castle Conservation District, and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.

These partnerships not only provide exceptional educational opportunities but also foster a commitment to urban agriculture. Kiandra's multifaceted experience and extensive network position Heritage Urban Farm at the forefront of Delaware's green industry, uniquely equipped to address food insecurity while promoting environmental stewardship.

Trays of young seedlings growing on metal racks, with visible soil and plant labels, in a greenhouse setting at Heritage Urban Farms.

Our Mission and Vision

Heritage Urban Farms is dedicated to:

Providing fresh, organic produce to Wilmington residents
Educating the community on sustainable agriculture
Empowering local youth through our Young Farmers Program
Partnering with local organizations to combat food insecurity

We envision a future where every resident has access to nutritious food and the knowledge to cultivate it.

Person wearing a red headscarf and black clothing holding plants with roots in a field, surrounded by greenery at Heritage Urban Farms.

Watering can pouring water on green plants in garden at Heritage Urban Farms.

Person sitting in a John Deere utility vehicle outside a green shed on a sunny day at Heritage Urban Farms.

Cultivating the Next Generation of Urban Farmers

Young Farmers Program

Our Young Farmers Program is designed to equip Wilmington’s youth with hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture. Participants learn essential skills in farming, hydroponics, and business management, preparing them for careers in urban agriculture and beyond. Through mentorship, workshops, and real-world training, we are fostering a new generation of leaders in food sustainability.

Program Highlights:

Hands-on training in hydroponic and traditional farming techniques
Entrepreneurship and business development workshops
Community service opportunities and volunteer projects
Job placement assistance in urban farming and sustainability sectors

By investing in our youth, we are building a resilient and self-sufficient community for the future.

Heritage Urban Farms has established a strategic partnership with the New Castle County Youth Workforce Development Program, positioning itself as a worksite partner. This collaboration brings significant benefits to both the farm and the youth participants. Under this arrangement, young participants at Heritage Urban Farms are considered Seasonal Employees of New Castle County and are paid directly by the county, incurring no financial cost to the farm. This partnership allows participants to work 20-25 hours per week during the summer and 10-15 hours per week during the school year, earning the current New Castle County employee minimum wage. Interested in the Young Farmers Program at Heritage Urban Farms? Apply Now.