Founded in 1988 to support urban volunteers who began transforming vacant lots into green spaces, Bronx Green-Up has become a cornerstone for community gardening and urban agriculture in the Bronx. This initiative by the New York Botanical Garden continues to drive sustainability and green development in one of New York City’s boroughs. Discover the history, mission, and impact of this transformative program with Bronx Name.
History of Bronx Green-Up
In 1988, the New York Botanical Garden launched Bronx Green-Up as a public gardening program to make the city greener and more sustainable. Its mission encompasses both beautifying the Bronx and positively influencing residents’ lives through education and hands-on participation.
Bronx Green-Up serves a threefold purpose:
- Training urban gardeners: Offering practical and theoretical gardening knowledge.
- Partnering on green projects: Supporting community gardens and urban farms.
- Building connections: Acting as a hub for resources and collaboration.
The program emerged in response to the economic downturn of the 1970s and 1980s, which left Bronx neighborhoods filled with trash-strewn lots. Residents began to clean and reclaim these areas, with the first Bronx Green-Up garden—Garden of Happiness on Prospect Avenue—founded by community activist Karen Washington. Washington also established La Familia Verde, a coalition of five gardens that operated a farmers’ market for over a decade.
Since its inception, Bronx Green-Up has established over 300 community gardens, enriching the lives of residents across all age groups.
Program Areas
Bronx Green-Up focuses on several key areas:
- Gardening Education
- Free certified courses and seasonal workshops for gardeners of all skill levels and ages.
- Certificate programs like “Grow More Vegetables,” “Pruning,” and “The Living Soil” provide practical skills and expertise.
- Supporting Community Gardeners
- Providing plants, tools, and consultations to help maintain green spaces.
- Assisting Urban Farmers
- Helping local farmers supply fresh produce, create jobs, and foster community economic growth.
- Partnering with Schools and Organizations
- Collaborating on green projects that cultivate environmental awareness among young generations.
Bronx Green-Up inspires residents to actively participate in improving their communities through green initiatives.
Annual Events Organized by Bronx Green-Up
Harvest Festival is one example of the program’s community celebrations, bringing together gardeners to share achievements, exchange ideas, and learn.
The program also collaborates closely with the NYC Compost Project, distributing compost, educating gardeners and schools, and supporting community organizations. The program’s 2023 statistics highlight its impact:
- 323 events, engaging over 4,600 participants across 75 gardens, schools, and organizations.
- The NYC Compost Project organized 248 events, involving 3,013 participants and over 60 groups.
Volunteer contributions, totaling 1,500 hours in 2023, were instrumental in achieving these milestones.
Key accomplishments include:
- Constructing the New Roots Community Farm in 40 days with the International Rescue Committee.
- Building a chicken coop and nursery at Taqwa Community Farm in a week-long project with In Good Company.
- Strengthening school gardens and outdoor education programs at PS 87, PS 47, and PS 93 in partnership with Trust for Public Land.
- Establishing a garden at the Church of the Mediator in Kingsbridge with active community involvement.
Bronx Food & Farm Tour
The Bronx Food & Farm Tour is an annual walking tour highlighting the borough’s community gardens. Organized under the Bronx Oral Histories Project, the tour includes stops at notable green spaces such as:
- Advisory Board Society Garden: A tranquil green oasis in the bustling city, showcasing the efforts of the local community.
- Rainbow Garden of Life & Health: A garden blending aesthetics and utility, offering visitors memorable photo opportunities.
- Rincon Criollo – La Casita de Chema: A cultural center for music, workshops, and community events, featuring delicious meals from local vendors.
Tours are free but require prior registration through the New York Botanical Garden website.
Positive Impact
The Bronx Green-Up initiative has transformed the borough’s urban landscape:
- Environmental Benefits: Green spaces enhance the local microclimate, reduce air pollution, and mitigate noise levels.
- Community Building: Joint gardening projects strengthen social bonds and foster collaboration.
- Educational Influence: The program promotes environmental awareness, inspiring residents to adopt sustainable practices.
- Inspiration Beyond the Bronx: Bronx Green-Up serves as a model for other cities aiming to implement urban greening projects.
Through urban farms, community garden support, educational programs, and partnerships with schools, Bronx Green-Up revitalizes urban agriculture and fosters sustainable living in the Bronx. This initiative exemplifies how collaborative efforts can enrich urban communities while promoting environmental stewardship.
