Bushwick Library Community Garden
where:
Brooklynwho:
Trees Not Trash Bushwickimpact area(s):
Open spacesamount needed:
$1,150raised so far:
$1,150summary
The Bushwick Public Library Children's Garden Project will protect green space, encourage gardening, and foster good stewardship practices.
the problem
Situated at the intersection of Bushwick Avenue and Seigel Street, the Bushwick branch of the Brooklyn Public Library is in the middle of a neighborhood that is both industrial and increasingly residential. Since much of the area is comprised of warehouses and industrial factories, there is a distinct lack of trees and open green spaces. Without sufficient community green space and an overflow of garbage and industrial dumping, residents of Bushwick have few outlets for becoming involved and caring for their neighborhood and surrounding environment. A direct result of this is a sense of detachment from the neighborhood. Our proposed Bushwick Public Library Children’s Garden Project will involve the staff and patrons of the library in transforming an unused area behind the Bushwick Public Library that is currently neglected, and transform it into a community garden for patrons of the library. The library community garden will encourage neighborhood kids and nearby residents to learn about the importance of green space, growing fresh vegetables, and community involvement. It's more than just a chance to understand the process of life, where our food comes from, what 'unprocessed' foods are and why they're better for us. This garden will emphasize the importance of team work, give young adults exercises in decision making, something to take pride in, and the opportunity to experience the joy of seeing a plan from seed to fruition.
the solution
This project will directly address environmental problems such as air quality and garbage removal, and will address the lack of community education concerning green spaces by encouraging participation in gardening, food growing, composting, and fostering a sense of stewardship for the community of Bushwick. In summary, the Bushwick Public Library Children’s Garden Project will: • Reclaim unused land for positive community use and educational activities • Remove existing trash and hazardous material • Create a community garden accessible to the library patrons and community members • Educate community members and children on quality of life issues such as creating and maintaining open spaces, garden construction, composting, rainwater irrigation, gardening, and urban food production • Foster a sense of stewardship for the community of Bushwick
the steps
Week 1: Clear the lot of trash and debris; Identify and properly dispose of hazardous materials. Week 2: Plan and plot out community garden. Week 3: Landscape grounds and build raised beds for growing food. Note: most lumber and landscaping materials used will be reclaimed, salvaged, or recycled. Week 4: Plant trees, vegetables and ground cover. Week 5: Set up sustainable community composting program. Each step/weekly project will be executed as a workshop/event, the goal of which is to involve and educate our volunteers to start community gardens and compost programs themselves.
New project
I would also like to join this community. This is a great step taken to encourage gardening among the students. Plantation is only the way now to keep our green and safe. One thing, I would like to start same project in my country as well. Is it possible? If yes then please do inform me about this in my toll free numbers.
Alex
toll free numbers :08009170224
projects in mass
I live in central Mass and would like to help with projects. Do you work in Mass or know of another great organization like ioby
projects in mass
I live in central Mass and would like to help with projects. Do you work in Mass or know of another great organization like ioby
It's pleasant
Along with reading the text, I'd like our students to have some hands on experience with beautifying their community.
good steps...
This is really great steps taken to encourage gardening among the students.If the place is compacted with warehouse and factories and if there are not much trees than than will be really bad for the environment. I am sure that if you take some good steps in plantation of the trees in such areas than that will really be beneficial for the environment and the people.Best of luck for the project and Try to bring more such projects again and again.
Regards,
Adeel
Congrats!
This is amazing! So glad this is finally happening. While I'm sorry I am not there to actually get my hands dirty, I'm glad I could be of help kickstarting the project!
-emily, former librarian trainee at bushwick pl
Trees New York
Reach out to Trees New York they have a great program called Schools and Trees.
Hey Gilliam! NYRP can get you
Hey Gilliam!
NYRP can get you some beautiful young trees for this garden if you're interested...
Cheers,
N
online tv
Bushwick Library Community Garden
I just wanted to say this is a wonderful idea. How can I help out with this and what week is this starting? Would like volunteers from the neighborhood?
Bushwick High School English class wants to help!
Greetings,
I am a ninth grade English teacher at EBC High School for Public Service. I will be collaborating with another ninth grade for the 2009-2010 school year. I am currently in the process of planning my curriculum for the fall semester and one of the books we are reading is "Seedfolks" by Paul Fleischman. It's a story about a community, much like Bushwick, coming together to create a community garden; the truly inspiring part is that the first seed is plant by a young person.
Along with reading the text, I'd like our students to have some hands on experience with beautifying their community. I would like our classes to participate in being a part of an activity already taking place in their community. The ideal week for our classes to come and help would be September 14-18 (preferably the 18th). If this is a possibility in any way, shape or form, please email me with the details. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.
dolivieri@schools.nyc.gov
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