The Greening Program

Those who benefit from CENYCs Greening Programs material and technical information sharing are primarily low to moderate income adults, youth and children from a wide variety of racial and cultural backgrounds. Greening serves this population in need with an emphasis on empowerment focusing on issues such as open space development and maintenance, conserving water resources, best practices education and assistance, and neighborhood beautification.

Open Space Development/Maintenance

• The 5th Street Slope Childrens Garden, located on 5th Street between Avenues B and C on the lower east side of Manhattan celebrated its restoration with a ribbon cutting ceremony in September 2006. The garden now features a "water misting" arbor, shaded seating and picnic areas, stone chiminea/barbeque, children's garden, vine covered trellis, and a tool shed.
• Greenspace @ President Street:This Park Slope, Brooklyn Land Trust site located at 5th Avenue and President Street, recently completed their slate patio with help from PAL staff and project funding. The patio is a great addition to the meandering pathways and border plantings of this enchanting 5,000 square ft. corner garden.
• PALs work at Childrens Grove /Arboleda de Los Ninos, in Bushwick, Brooklyn culminated this year with the installation of water service to the site in addition to a gazebo, lawn and garden play space.
• A new entrance hand rail was designed and installed for the neighbors that visit Creative Little Garden on East 6th Street, between Avenues A and B, Manhattan. This new hand rail will allow for safer access down the steps and into the garden.
• A new community garden is in the works in the East Harlem neighborhood across from Mt. Sinai Hospital. PAL staff met with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) representatives to discuss collaboration on this project. With the cooperation of the local public housing residents from George Washington Carver Houses, located at 100 Street and Madison Avenue (Manhattan), a scope of work for their new garden was developed. This garden will be known as The Garden of Living. To date, soil, plants, edging, paving material and garden tools have been provided. The garden is expected to be completed by August 2007.
• We have initiated design discussions with community gardeners to either upgrade or construct four community gardens, McKinley Childrens Garden (Queens), Fulton Street Triangle (Brooklyn), Wishing Well (Bronx), Generation X (Manhattan), identified in concert with Green Thumb/NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation, using City Council funding for Fiscal Year 07/08.

Conserving Water

Through the ancient practice of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH), gardeners are less dependent on hydrants, particularly during drought when hydrant use is restricted. RWH is not only much more convenient for gardeners; it also reduces demand on the public water supply system. RWH also helps reduce rainstorm runoff, which can overload storm drains and pollute the waters surrounding the city.

CENYC's pioneering effort in Rainwater Harvesting was awarded an Environmental Excellence Award by the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation in December 2006 and served as a model for Rodales Organic Gardening Magazine's WaterWorks 2007 program which will support the installation of 20 RWH systems in cities throughout the US and Canada (including two in NYC.) In addition to installing systems, CENYC gives numerous RWH workshops to community groups throughout the year.

• Greening staff worked with community gardeners from Washington Memorial Garden, located in Upper Manhattan at 126th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue, where a 1,000 gallon water tank was installed with assistance from Goldman Sachs corporate volunteers and the Horticultural Society of NYs Green Team.
• Additional rainwater harvesting (RWH) project sites include Dias y Flores (Lower Manhattan), Bedford Ave Community Garden (Brooklyn), Long Island City Roots (Queens) and Model T Garden (Bronx) where rainwater harvesting systems were constructed using simple piping and barrels to collect water from adjacent rooftops or garden structures.
• Thirty RWH demonstration sites have been built to date with CENYCs assistance. We expect to build another five in the coming year.

Neighborhood Beautification

Grow Truck traverses all five boroughs of NYC, delivering donated plant materials and tool loans to facilitate community work days. Forty evergreen shrubs and 51 deciduous shrubs were transported to George Washington Carver Houses in East Harlem for planting in this NYCHA sponsored public housing site. A heavy-duty riding lawnmower, provided by TroyBilt was donated to Guerkey Farm, a working farm on Staten Island. A heavy-duty roto-tiller was delivered to Union Squares Greenmarket for a Duchess County farmer to use. Additional TroyBilt lawn equipment to three other community gardens in Brooklyn: Hattie Carthan in Bedford Stuyvesant and Fannie Barnes Childrens Playground sponsored by Urban Strategies in East New York both received new gas-powered lawn mowers. A third lawnmower was donated to Our Lady of the Presentation Garden in Brownsville.

Annual Plant Sale

Hundreds of community gardeners depend on our annual plant sale to purchase plants at wholesale prices. In May of 2007, 111 groups picked up plants totaling $26,636 for use in their community gardens, other public greening projects or to re-sell the plants as a fund raising event.

Community Garden Mapping Project

Staff has recently updated hundreds of garden profiles on the citywide community garden database using information sent in by the gardeners themselves. Students, urban planners and others who log into CENYCs website (www.cenyc.org) can find information on any NYC community gardens current land status, photos and other garden information.

Tree Mapping

Climate change, and more importantly how to alleviate it, is a major environmental concern. Trees serve as a key line of defense: they reduce the greenhouse effect by acting as carbon sinks; remove airborne pollutants including particulates, sulfur and nitrogen dioxide; lessen energy consumption by lowering temperatures and shading buildings in the summer and blocking winds in the winter. Greening staff have trained students, teachers and parent volunteers from two elementary and two high schools in tree data collection using clipboards, comparison charts, tape measures and rulers to measure height, diameter of trunk, spread of the crown, density of the crown, and species. Some data is collected using handheld computers.

Determining the size and health of the urban forest provides a valuable tool for citizens, urban planners, foresters and elected officials to make sound choices about tree conservation and sustainable forest practices. Collected data can also be used to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide removed the atmosphere, the amount of carbon sequestered, the dollar values of remediation and replacement, and where the need for reforesting is greatest.

On Staten Island this year, PS 45 teachers worked with CENYCs Lenny Librizzi to develop a curriculum for the program and 18 students took part in an after school enrichment program for 5 weeks to learn more about the use of handhelds in tree mapping. A database and map that include 110 of the areas trees has been created. June 2007 will see ten more classes from PS45 conducting tree mapping and continuing to build the database.

Environmental Education/Training Student Organizers (TSO)

Created in 1978, Training Student Organizers (TSO) is CENYCs youth-based environmental education program. TSOs mission couldnt be more relevant: global warming is upon us yet sales of SUVs make up half of all new vehicles sold. Potable water supplies are dwindling worldwide while 45 million Americans think that the ocean is a fresh water source. 120 million dont know that consumer packaging not disposable diapers accounts for 50% of landfill mass. TSO encourages inquiry based learning. Faced with relevant issues, students start to ask questions and create solutions. TSO helps create thoughtful environmental stewards.

Since September 2006, TSO has motivated 930 high school and intermediate school students to organize or participate in 22 environmental improvement projects across the city and the Catskill Watershed.

Land/Water

In order to prevent erosion and preserve water quality in nearby waters, create habitat and beautify NYC parks, students implemented a number of shoreline restoration and related projects including:

• Teens from Manhattans High School for Environmental Studies (HSES) planted 290 native trees and shrubs to prevent erosion in the Inwood Hill Park Forest, along the Hudson River. HSES ninth grade students planted 2,200 daffodil bulbs on a slope in the northern end of Morningside Park.
• Other HSES ninth grade students removed underbrush, vegetative debris, and litter and planted bulbs in a two block stretch (106th- 108th street) of the island on Riverside Drive parallel to Riverside Park. The project created more visibility on the island making it safer and also reduced debris runs off into area catch basins.
• HSES students met in front of the school at 7:45 am on a cold winter morning and traveled over three hours (and back the same day!) to work with upstate youth and adults to plant hundreds of trees along the Batavia Kill, tributary to NYCs Schoharie Reservoir, which provides about 15% of New York Citys and Westchester Countys drinking water. The plantings will prevent erosion and runoff and preserve good water quality.
• DeWitt Clinton High School (Bronx) students planted approximately 350 native trees and shrubs in the northern section of the Bronx River near the Burke Avenue Bridge to stem erosion and preserve water quality. They also planted approximately 250 native trees in a section of Hunter Island near the Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park.
• Bronx Academy H.S. juniors and seniors planted approximately 350 herbaceous plants in the southern part of the river near Cement Plant Park, to help prepare the soil for the installation of native trees.
• In a coastal waters project, an advanced Marine Biology class at Beach Channel High School (BCHS) in Queens participated in a live broadcast entitled Estuary Live. This event had the students testing water and seining at Big Egg Marsh on Jamaica Bay. This science-based exploration project allowed students to interact with experts from D.E.P., Gateway National Recreation Area and other local environmental organizations in several hands-on workstations. The event was broadcast across the internet to the general public and to schools around the country.
• Beach Channel students also participated in the Friends of the Estuary project where they learned the background on the Used Motor Oil (UMO) problem and how it applies to Jamaica Bay. Lessons included information on non-point source pollution and combined sewer overflow. The students surveyed 8 different automotive-related establishments concerning their UMO practices on Beach Channel Drive in the Rockaways. In another coastal waters project, BCHS students maintained the schools habitat area by weeding and picking up trash. They also picked up and bagged floatables as part of the Littoral Society Beach Cleanup on location at BCHS.

Other Water Activities

Most TSO water projects were accompanied by water testing regimens. HSES students tested the Hudson/Harlem River water at Inwood Hill Park and at Morningside Parks pond; results were sent to the Parks Department. Another HSES teen group tested the Hudson in the lower Westside area and sent results to the Riverside Park Fund.

DeWitt Clinton and Bronx Academy youth tested the water in the Bronx River and sent the results to the Bronx River Alliance. Since TSO began incorporating water testing (for dissolved oxygen, phosphate, salinity and ph levels) in its curriculum a decade ago, findings have consistently indicated local waters improving health.

Urban Environmental Observation and Monitoring

TSO youth surveyed environmental conditions on over 100 blocks in 3 neighborhoods in the Bronx and Manhattan and reported ones in need of repair to the appropriate city agency. Already the city is planning to fix a number of the fire hydrants and catch basins, clean up litter, investigate excessive train noise and plant trees where needed.

Teens gain and hone numerous skills by conducting neighborhood surveys: investigative, observational, advocacy, research, and civic participation to name a few. They also get the satisfaction of seeing results as they stay on top of the situation from report to repair plus the benefit to their community.

Energy

In the past four years, 2000 TSO teens from schools throughout the city have built and displayed solar ovens and solar houses, written newsletters about alternative energy sources and energy conservation and distributed them to hundreds of schoolmates and community residents and practiced lighting conservation at home.

• In fall 2006, 300 students at Brooklyns M.S. 126, St. Stanslaus Kostka, and I.S. 318 learned basics about architecture and specifics of passive and active solar design. Students then designed, built and exhibited model solar doghouses. They also toured and did a workshop (solar cars/wind turbine design) at Solar 1 in Manhattan.
• 45 youth from three classes (Earth Science, Environmental Science, Math/Language Block class) at Bronx Academy H.S. built solar ovens after studying energy issues.
• 125 students from five classes at Madison High School learned about sustainable living and energy conservation and designed and built solar ovens.

Greenmarket

On any given day of the week, in all seasons, Greenmarket, the country's largest outdoor farmers market program, ensures that New Yorkers have access to locally grown, foraged, baked and caught foods. In peak season 2006, we operated weekly Greenmarket farmers markets season at 44 locations across the five boroughs.

Greenmarket is good for farms: it helps keep regional small family farms in business and preserves farmland. Greenmarket is good for city neighborhoods: it contributes to neighborhood food security, neighborhood economies and community renewal. And, Greenmarket is good for the environment: our farmers are personally invested in the health of regional water and soil; small biodiverse farms help preserve food heritage.

• Greenmarket celebrated its 30th birthday with a fundraiser dinner, a harvest festival party at Union Square, a city-wide restaurant dine-around, and a panel discussion at the 92nd Street Y. The milestone received major coverage in the New York Times, New York Magazine, on WNYC, and a half-hour special on PBS.
• Some 500,000 New Yorkers shop each week during high season at the 44 Greenmarkets located throughout the City; 15 locations are open year-round.
• 13 new farmers joined in 2007.
• New markets in 2007: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (Sundays), Downing Street, Manhattan (Sundays), Sunnyside, Queens (Saturdays.)
• Over $20 million worth of coupons were issued by the New York State Department of Agriculture to WIC (Women Infants and Children) recipients and some seniors for the purchase of fruits and vegetables at farmers markets in NYC.
• We received City Council funding for marketing, outreach and improved technology to encourage food stamp recipients to use their benefits (EBT) at Greenmarket farmers markets for the purchase of nutritious fruits and vegetables.
• Market staff hosted cooking demos to showcase seasonal produce at all markets.
• Food donated by farmers to City Harvest: 224,559 lbs. this past year.
• Assisted with well over 100 market tours for schools, civic and other groups.
• The New Farmer Development Project (NFDP). This year, NFDPs comprehensive agricultural training course La Nueva Siembra boasted 32 graduates. NFDP alumni participated in classroom training and on-farm workshops throughout the season on topics such as producing value-added farm products and farm management strategies. Twelve NFDP farmers are bringing produce to Greenmarket during the 2006 season.
•  Greenmarket is working with the Open Space Institute to protect farms participating in Greenmarket.
• Greenmarket is continuing to play a key role working with NYC Food Systems, a collaboration of agencies and individuals engaged in work that increases access to wholesome, regional food in NYC communities.
• Greenmarket coordinated three youth market projects in summer/fall 2006. Youth markets are seasonal farmers market operated by young people under the supervision of a school or nonprofit community group. They provide access to fresh local fruits and vegetable to neighborhoods lacking such, give young people employment skills, and provide additional retail outlets for small family farmers.

Created in 2006, Learn It, Grow It, Eat It (LGE) is a collaborative effort of three CENYC programs (Open Space Greening, Greenmarket, Environmental Education) aimed at improving the health of young people through nutrition education and improved food access in their schools and communities. The project encourages young people to take control of their health on the cusp of adulthood through knowledge, choices and action. LGE gives students nutrition information that goes beyond memorizing the USDA food pyramid; helps them make the connection between the environment and food consumption through hands-on gardening; and introduces healthy food choices that they can incorporate into their diet with in-school food preparation and offerings featuring Greenmarket produce.

• In school year 2006/2007, LGE was implemented in 10 classes at five public high schools in the Morrisania section of the South Bronx. Of the 200 participating high school students, 75% reported making at least one positive dietary change.
• In spring 2007, LGE recruited and paid five interns from participating classes for a one week spring break intensive session. The student interns worked in two neighborhood community garden sites preparing them for planting and planted radishes, carrots and broccoli.
• Also in spring 2007, participating LGE classes planted seed potatoes, vegetables including tomatoes, hot peppers, cabbage, broccoli, brussell sprouts, collards, eggplant and cucumbers. We anticipate harvesting crops in summer and fall 2007.
• In March 2007, at a campus wide health fair, LGE students staffed a table and handed out information of healthy eating, farmers markets and distributed locally grown apples. Students voted on which of the three variety of locally grown apples was the best; the winner? Northern Spy.
• LGE students assisted with the NYC Department of Health to publicize its low fat milk and eat more fruits and vegetables campaign.

The new Office of Recycling Outreach and Education (OROE) was created in 2006 by the New York City Council, when it passed Mayor Bloombergs landmark Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP). Under the SWMP, CENYC was selected by the Mayor and City Council to operate the new Office. OROE staff are working with the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) to increase the percentage of recyclables diverted from the waste stream and to promote waste reduction, reuse and composting efforts. The offices primary focus is to train and educate building service personnel and occupants on the methods, requirements and importance of recycling, including conducting building specific waste audits. OROE provides information and training on other waste reduction, reuse and composting programs offered by the City and various not-for-profit organizations. OROE staff promotes DSNYs recycling and waste reduction programs throughout the City and helps ensure that the importance of recycling, waste reduction and composting receives proper media attention and remain an integral part of the Citys overall sustainability efforts. OROE will also partner with DSNY and other organizations to develop electronic recycling programs, waste reduction targets, hazardous waste reduction efforts and the promotion of recycling in parks, schools, and public housing projects.

• OROE is partnering with Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey for a pilot program to collect used textiles (clothing, shoes, bedding, linens, etc.). The pilot program is being conducted at the Union Square Greenmarket on Mondays from 8 A.M. 6 P.M. and will continue through August 27, 2007. The donation of these items helps support Goodwills many programs that assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
• OROE initiated Hip Hop Cares, a project to get the community involved in environmental issues in the Bronx. We enlisted the help of legendary Hip Hop artist Special K who is working with us as Hip Hops Environmental Ambassador and together, we have worked to get the word out about recycling at community events as well as created a Hip Hop edutainment power point presentation on recycling in NYC.
• OROE developed a partnership with Bronx Community Solutions to provide community service workers assist us in recycling and clean up services, as part of our new initiative Lend a Hand to Help Green Up Summer, at outdoor community events.
• John Johnson, OROEs Bronx Coordinator, was invited as a guest to the Eighteenth Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer Interfaith Retreat on Social Justice. The retreats theme was Cultivating Hope: Planting Seeds of Environmental Justice in NYC and focused on how diverse NYC faith leaders can collaborate across sectarian lines work towards resolving pressing environmental concerns in NYC in order to cultivate a healthy and thriving city.
• OROE conducted a recycling presentation for the staff of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) and will conduct a building waste and recycling audit for the Bronx District Attorneys Office the building in which BOEDC is housed.
• OROE conducted a recycling workshop for over 50 senior citizens at the Mott Haven Senior Center that was recorded and will be aired on National Public Radios program All Things Considered.
• OROE coordinated an Electronics Recycling Event in May at Archbishop Molloy High School in Briarwood, Queens.

Other CENYC Activities

CENYC is partnering with NYSERDA to encourage Con Ed customers to turn in older (working) energy inefficient air conditioner models to receive rebates towards the purchase of Energy Star qualified models.