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About Us

Building leaders in
environmental and cultural initiatives.

Our Journey

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1824

The city acquires and designates the land as public recreation space under the Schiller-Hugh's Model Cities Open Space Park Project. Making it vulnerable to developers.

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1998

The first threat to the EcoGarden: Developers have plans to destroy the garden for a development project. Following the 2008 housing crisis, Developers pull out of the plans; the garden is safe.

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2010

Permaganic launches a multitude of new programs and improvements, including the Youth Internship Program, the adult Work-Trade Program, and the Permaganic Produce Carts.

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2012

Permaganic participates at the Green Acres Exhibition show hosted by the Cincinnati

Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and launches

Permaganic Authenticated: A certification for regenerative farming.

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2014

The developer discontinues their preferred development agreement with the Cincinnati Department of Community and Economic Development.

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2018

Permaganic brings in Valley Folk Studios to manage the facilities and bring a fresh perspective. Permaganic changes its operating name to the Center for Environment, People, and Culture

The land that now encompasses the EcoGarden is bequeathed by its previous owner, Thomas Hughes, for the investment of public education.

1970s

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The EcoGarden, an urban, permaculture food garden, located at 1718 Main Street, is founded by IMPACT Over-the-Rhine (OTR) with generous support from the Meshewa Foundation and the Civic Garden Center

2007

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Following the close of Memorial Inc., invested community members found Permaganic, co., a non-profit with 501(c)(3) status, in order to continue the legacy of the EcoGarden under new leadership.

Permaganic partners with the Robert W

Frank Adult Center to provide programming in nutrition and therapeutic horticulture to adults with varying ability levels.

2011

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A local developer drafts their first plan to acquire The EcoGarden property for market rate residential development.

The community fights back.

Permaganic sponsors Community

Supported Agriculture shares for families in the neighborhood

2013

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The third threat to the EcoGarden: The same developer releases a second plan

​Permaganic and supporters push back.

2016

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Permaganic acquires the Main Street Kitchen, a new headquarters and creative space, right next door.

2024

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