Do you have an environmental project for your neighborhood that could use some love? Does your project need funding or volunteers? Do you have a community garden that needs some plants and flowers? Do you have a vision for a green roof or clean energy on the roof of your community center or school? Is there an abandoned lot in your neighborhood that could use attention? Do you want to organize some friends to pick up trash in the park where your pets and children play every day?
Spring is almost here. Soon we’ll be waking up our garden beds, rolling over our compost piles, and installing solar panels and wind turbines on our roofs. When the winter thaws, we’ll be itching to get outdoors on the weekends and get involved in the neighborhood. ioby is here to help.
Brian Lehrer invited us back to follow up on the Uncommon Economic Indicators piece from March before we launched the site. Take a listen to hear some of our milestones of the year, and to hear fellow New Yorkers' New Year's resolutions.
Added Value, the Red Hook farming group whose name has become nearly synonymous with "sweat equity" has increased their productive land to include a 3-acre stretch on Governor's Island. They need to purchase a rototiller to cultivate its farm there, which will bring increased production, youth employment and educational activities. Help them out.
PS 11's student-run Farm Market sells local, organic produce from a New York State Farm CSA to the neighborhood surrounding the school. They need your help to buy a tent.
I'm sure all Queens residents already know about this great event, but if you haven't heard Saturday, March 27th is the 3rd annual Going Green in Queens. This day of workshops and environmental education covers topics such as tree pruning, bioswales, recycling, alternative energy resources, planting, composting organic living, and many more topics. The day is free and open to the public. Support the day's work by donating to the project here or sign up to attend here.
In partnership with two farmers' markets, three bike tours, and four CSAs, the Western Queens Compost Initiative will collect yard and food waste for compost to improve soil nutrients at the Two Coves Community Garden on 30th Ave in Astoria. Check out the project here and watch the video here.
