Raw sewage overflow into the Hudson River during big rainfalls; High asthma and obesity rates in our dense, low-income neighborhood; hot sidewalks contributing to the Urban Heat Island Effect; Childhood obesity; Unsafe block riddled with drug activity.
Our block gardening project - set on a dense, urban block - raises awareness and confidence especially among Spanish-speaking neighbors, about nature stewardship, as pertains to street tree care & adoption, Urban Heat Island Effect, storm water overflow, gardening, and water waste. Our neighborhood suffers high asthma rates due to a disproportionate number of bus depots in our area, and trees are a natural way to filter the air of impurities. This community education effort is especially important considering that our street is located a block away from a waste water treatment plant.
Gardening is also a terrific way to bring a diverse community together around a healthy outdoor physical activity that overcomes language and age barriers. Gardening also makes the area safer as neighbors work together and get to know one another and because it brings other people outdoors on a regular basis besides those involved in illicit activities.