Bronx River Wildflower Corridor
SUNDAYS@11 is planting 4000 wildflowers each year to beautify Bronx River and it's neighboring communities. Our group is seeking to aquire funds for seed starting over 45 species native to NYC.
Leader
Roseanne Andrade
Location
2093 Vyse ave Bronx, NY 10460
About the project
Bronx River is not what is was thousands of years ago when indigenous Algonquins lived in the Eastern Woodlands. Today, SUNDAYS@11 volunteers haul out garbage at the annual Riverkeeper Sweep, engage in Bronx butterfly counts, and create enhanced habitat for native species that call the river home.
Our project begins in November with greenhouse seed starting to generate plant materials for restoration, plant share events, and street tree care planting days. When weather warms up we start the 'growing season' by opening up community gardens to rebuild raised-beds, plant vegetable starts, build tree guards, and share the glory of spring flowering beds & borders. SUNDAYS@11 greening group outreaches to help at gardens, compost sites, and select communities near Bronx River. This effort improves the quality of life through pruning street trees, removing litter, and adding landscape beautification.
Our impact statistics include pollinator counts for Monarchs, Swallowtails & other Bronx butterfly species, bagged litter by the pound removed from Bronx River watershed, number of street trees stewarded, and number of perennials, trees & shrubs planted each year. Special thanks to Bronx River Alliance, Riverkeeper, American Rivers, NYC Parks Department Super Stewards, and hundreds of participants for ongoing support and donations to continue the Bronx River wildflower corridor each year at workdays on Sundays starting at 11am!🐻
The Steps
Funding will go toward the purchase of growing medium for seedlings, food & beverage for volunteers at planting days, greenhouse pots & trays to transplant germinating seeds, and hardware & lumber for constructing tree guards.
Most seeds are donated by Burpee, American Meadows, and Greenbelt Native Plant Center. These seeds require seedling soil mix, small pots, humidity domes, and within 90-180 days fruits and flowers of peace yeild the seeds of hope! SUNDAYS@11 participants meet at outreach locations and plant in cool temperatures during spring & fall to steward underserved neighborhoods.
Why we‘re doing it
Teddy Bear Project's mission is to help individuals unite and pursue DIY projects: Of all the programs, SUNDAYS@11greening outreach is the most favored activity of attendees. The longterm goal is to become the 'greenest borough' in New York City.
Bronx River is one block from a community garden in which much of the project preparation for planting days occurs & where outreach via bike and cart mobilize environmental conservation while avoiding fossil fuels at all costs. These goals meet a clean air, water, and soil environmental justice standard in order for everyone to benefit. Beautification at outreach sites connects resources for clean-ups and promotes pride in both youth and adults. Our movement advocates for health, safer streets & sidewalks, tree health, unity in the community, transportation alternatives, civic pride, and bringing back pollinators.