Tampa Pastor Honored for Community Gardening Work

Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo received an award for her efforts connecting local faith, climate justice, and urban gardening.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Gardening

Gouache-painted illustration of a young oak tree sapling planted in fertile garden soil, evoking urban environmental stewardship. — Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo received an American Dream Award for her efforts integrating environmental stewardship with ministry in Tampa. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo, a Venezuelan immigrant and Presbyterian pastor in Tampa, has been honored with an American Dream Award. She was recognized for her dual roles as a faith leader and a community organizer focused on environmental care.

Why it matters

Her work bridges the gap between spiritual practice and local climate resilience through initiatives like neighborhood tree planting and garden maintenance. These efforts help residents improve their immediate environment while fostering deeper community connections.

The American Dream Award was presented on October 12, 2026, to recognize the subject's local service in Tampa. The impact of her work spans educational climate justice programs and the ongoing cultivation of church-based food sources.

The players

Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo

A Venezuelan immigrant and Presbyterian pastor who leads climate justice educational programs and organizes local environmental initiatives in Tampa.

First United Church of Tampa

A local religious institution that hosts a community garden featuring fruit and vegetable crops to support its environmental and food initiatives.

The details

Astudillo integrates gardening into her ministry by teaching the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship. She also mobilized local residents to form the Friends of Epps Park group, which specifically advocates for climate-resilient housing and expanded neighborhood tree canopy. Additionally, she facilitates a certificate program for Spanish speakers that covers climate justice and community service.

October 12, 2026: Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo received the American Dream Award.

The Home Front

This development follows the growing trend of faith-based organizations incorporating environmental stewardship into their community service models. These garden-centered projects are increasingly used to address local food access and climate resilience in urban residential neighborhoods.

Residents interested in neighborhood climate resilience can contact local community groups like the Friends of Epps Park to join tree-planting initiatives. You may also consider checking with your local place of worship to see if they offer garden plots or sustainability workshops for the community.

The takeaway

Integrating native plants or small-scale food gardens into your property can strengthen both home climate resilience and community ties. Start by identifying underutilized spaces in your yard for a garden bed or contacting your local neighborhood association to volunteer for community tree-planting days.