When I think of a farm, I usually imagine open fields, maybe near a forest, with wide skies and sunlight warming the ground. So I was honestly surprised to find “SkyFarm” sitting right on top of a building in Long Island City. Standing there, I noticed signs of what had been planted before such as herbs, vegetables, and flowers from earlier seasons, even though much of it was resting for the fall. Elena, Big Reuse’s Volunteer Program Manager, gave me a rundown of what had been growing here and what was now hidden under the soil, waiting for next season. She shared a bit about SkyFarm’s history and how it has always been a space built through collaboration and care. What makes this rooftop garden so special is how it connects learning, sustainability, and community right in the heart of the city. Over the years, Big Reuse has played a key role in keeping the composting system thriving, providing tools, guidance, and hands-on support that help volunteers and students understand the full cycle of composting. Through their work, SkyFarm has continued to grow as both a productive garden and an educational space where people come together to learn how caring for the earth can strengthen the bonds within a community.
As we gathered around the compost bins, Elena started explaining how composting works. She discussed building the piles in layers, such as greens for nitrogen, such as fresh clippings, and browns for carbon, like dry leaves and stems. It’s all about finding the right balance to keep the compost healthy and active. I liked how she compared the process to a dance floor full of energy. She said, “It’s like a club. The microbes are dancing and creating heat. You don’t add heat to it; the heat is created by decomposition.” The idea that microbes are working together to break things down and generate warmth really stuck with me. Once the pile cools, larger decomposers, such as worms and beetles, come in to finish the job. The goal is to heat the compost sufficiently to kill off seeds and pests, ensuring the soil is clean and rich in nutrients for the garden.
One of those volunteers was Maverick, who had been attending Big Reuse composting events for several months. “This is my fourth time volunteering,” he said, “and definitely not my last. I love being here on the rooftop. It’s gorgeous.” Maverick first discovered Big Reuse at the Fungi Festival on Randall’s Island, where he met Elena and saw composting in action. “If you care about the city or the world, composting is one of the answers to a lot of our problems,” he said. “You meet great people, you learn something new, and you get to help nature at the same time.”
Nearby, Robert was turning compost for the first time. He first heard about Big Reuse while searching for salvaged materials for a home renovation project and discovered our Reuse Center. “I like the idea of giving back to nature and the community,” he said. “Composting is a powerful tool that can grow both the environment and the community.” He smiled as he added, “You meet amazing people, have some good laughs, and get to explore the city.”
Watching everyone work together, shoveling soil and food scraps, framed how composting was more than just a chore. It felt like a shared experience. There was a lot of laughter and conversation as people swapped stories and tips. Seeing the composting at SkyFarm made me realize that sustainability really can happen anywhere, even on a rooftop in the city. With help from Big Reuse and all the volunteers, this place continues to grow. Not just plants and soil, but also a real sense of connection and purpose.
Photos and Blog Post by NYSERDA Fellow Tatiana Guerra.