The Imagination Farm (TIF) is a space where those most impacted by climate change can explore, imagine, and share solutions for our future. In recent years, TIF has served as our mutual aid hub and hosted climate justice film nights, a zine launch for IWW’s “Queer/Trans Guide to Storms”, multiple “Prep The East” hurricane preparedness conversations, a Two-Spirit Indigiqueer gathering, the New Orleans Community Resource Guide Call-A-Thon, and various disaster relief supply distributions.
A very brief history of the farm: Our team lived on the farm in 2020 through Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Zeta, and it quickly became a mutual aid hub in the aftermath of the storms. Donated to Imagine Water Works in early 2023 by friends who had purchased the land post-Katrina through the Road Home program, it has continued to welcome our community home through a variety of social and environmental disasters. Since officially becoming home to IWW’s work, the farm has been stewarded by native New Orleanians with Louisiana Creole-Indigenous ancestry, as well as a team of 20+ Imagination Farmers who have each picked up a project on the farm that speaks to them.
VISITING THE FARM:
The farm is in a mixed-use neighborhood. To ensure that you don’t lose a tire in a pothole, we encourage folks to stop by during daylight hours only. Contact klie@imaginewaterworks.org if you’d like to schedule a visit.
Unless stated otherwise for an event, the farm is street parking only. We encourage you to look out for storm drains and park directly across from the farm (look for the willow tree!) if spots are available. Please do NOT park on our next door neighbor’s grass. We highly encourage carpooling, as street parking is limited.
Oh yes… when exiting the farm, we encourage using EADS STREET (AKA home of the Sewerage & Water Board) and then turning left on ABUNDANCE. For events, we do our best to mark potholes and storm drains with cones.
The farm has ants, stumps, and is mostly grass. We recommend wearing or bringing a pair of closed-toe shoes with you. If hanging out for a while, you may want to bring a blanket, folding chair, or whatever you’d typically sit on at a park. We do have a picnic table and a few chairs, but seating is limited. Farm vibes are casual and shade varies by time of year; wear something comfortable!
The farm is an outdoor space, so there’s always a chance of bugs. However, bug spray is always available and we have a variety of preventative measures in place for events. We have also planted citronella and lemongrass around the farm as a natural deterrent. Please note that we have basic first aid supplies for bites and stings, but we are not equipped to handle potentially life-threatening allergic reactions.
Yes, kids are welcome! However, we do not provide childcare unless otherwise stated for an event. Please remember that this is a farm with precious plants and various hazards. We encourage you to keep a close eye on children.
Yes. The farm has a private, single-occupancy (or family) bathroom with a compost toilet. There is a sign that shows you how to use it, but it’s pretty straight forward! It looks like an RV or boat toilet and is surprisingly not smelly. The toilet will function even when there is power and water loss due to a hurricane, etc.
Yes. We work out of a small, converted shipping container located on the property (think “tiny house”). It has A/C and can be used in the event of an emergency. We always have cold water on hand, personal neck fans to borrow, and various first aid supplies in case you get overheated.
Parts of the yard do have some shade, as well as our small porch, but please note that the porch can only seat a few people. Our main yard (with the picnic tables where most events are held) is not shaded. We have sunscreen on hand, so please ask for it if you need some!
Unfortunately, no. Our bathroom and small cooling area both require a few, small steps. Disability justice is important to us, and we are hoping to one day secure the funding necessary to build in ways that meet community needs.
NOTE: All visitors to the farm are asked to sign a waiver. It can be viewed ahead of time here.
Want to know what life on the farm looks like on a daily basis? Check out our living “Imagination Farmers’ Almanac” here, where we check in periodically about what we’ve been doing and observing. The farm has been cared for collaboratively, and throughout 2023 we were predominantly focused on healing the land.
The Imagination Farm feels like home. It’s a place of refuge, learning, creativity, and hope.
Past and Upcoming Public Events:
5/2: Resource Guide Call-A-Thon
https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginewaterworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6088-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1 2560 1920 Imagine Water Works Imagine Water Works https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginewaterworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6088-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1Join us on Thursday, May 2nd to update the New Orleans Resource Guide for Resistance and Renewal! Registration required.
read more4/18: Resource Guide Call-A-Thon
https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginewaterworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6088-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1 2560 1920 Imagine Water Works Imagine Water Works https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginewaterworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_6088-scaled.jpeg?fit=2560%2C1920&ssl=1Join us on Thursday, April 18th to update the New Orleans Resource Guide for Resistance and Renewal! Registration required.
read moreThe Imagination Farm Warming & Zine Launch
https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginewaterworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/368066766_191499080601783_4847999802213772564_n-1.jpeg?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1 1080 1080 Imagine Water Works Imagine Water Works https://i0.wp.com/www.imaginewaterworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/368066766_191499080601783_4847999802213772564_n-1.jpeg?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1You’re invited! Join us on Friday Aug 18th for an evening filled with creativity, imagination, and short films.
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