Bronx Green-Up, the community outreach program of The New York Botanical Garden, provides horticultural advice, technical assistance, and training to community gardeners, school groups, and other organizations interested in improving urban neighborhoods through greening projects.
The NYC Compost Project in the Bronx, funded and managed by NYC Department of Sanitation's Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling, and hosted at The New York Botanical Garden, provides compost education and outreach to NYC residents, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
In 2011 Bronx Green-Up conducted 323 activities and events, reaching more than 5,000 individuals representing 67 gardens, greening groups, schools, or community organizations. The NYC Compost Project in the Bronx reached nearly 3,500 savvy environmentalists through 215 public activities conducted for 43 groups.
THEY want to thank all of you who partnered with us to make this possible, especially the volunteers who contributed more than 1,200 hours assisting both programs last year. If you are interested in joining in the fun this year, continue reading for information on future events. Sign up to receive monthly updates from Bronx Green-up.
BRONX GREEN-UP
Pre-registration recommended. To reserve your place or for more information, please contact Bronx Green-Up at 718.817.8026 or bronxgreenup@nybg.org. Be aware that space is limited for some events; priority will be given to members of Bronx Green-Up gardens and NYC Compost Project sites in the Bronx.
Grow More Vegetables Certificate Program, Applications due February 10
Would you like to grow more food in your community garden? This certificate is designed to equip you with the best organic techniques for growing vegetables safely and effectively. The program consists of six courses, both classroom and hands-on garden instruction. Registration required; for an application and more details, contact Sara Katz at skatz@nybg.org or 718.817.8038.
6 Thursdays, February 23–March 29 • 6–8 p.m. • The New York Botanical Garden, Watson Education Building, Room 102
Tree Stewardship and Community Organizing Conference with MillionTreesNYC
This event features stewardship networking opportunities, community organizing training sessions, skill sharing, and much more. For more information, e-mail bronxgreenup@nybg.org. If you have an idea for a topic you'd love to learn about or teach, send an e-mail to stewards@milliontreesnyc.org.
Saturday, February 11 • Brooklyn Borough Hall • 209 Joralemon Street • Brooklyn
Bronx Green-Up Workshop and Information Table: Bronx Parks Speak Up
Join Bronx Green-Up for a gardening workshop, and then visit our table for free tip sheets, pamphlets, and workshop schedules designed to help gardeners increase their horticultural expertise. Event registration required; for more information and to register, visit the Bronx Parks Speak Up Web site.
Saturday, February 25 • Bronx Parks Speak Up event, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., specific workshop time to be determined • Lehman College, Faculty Dining Room • 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
Fruit Tree Pruning Practice at Roberto Clemente Community Garden
March is a great month to finish winter pruning. Help to prune the small trees and shrubs at this Bronx Land Trust community garden. Learn how to prune fruit trees to improve production and protect tree health. We will demonstrate and explain the techniques first and then assist as you prune.
Saturday, March 17 • 11 a.m.–1 p.m. • Roberto Clemente Community Garden • 1280 Shakespeare Avenue, at West 169th Street
Bronx Green-Up Workshop and Information Table: GreenThumb GrowTogether Conference
Join Bronx Green-Up for a gardening workshop, and then visit our table for free tip sheets, pamphlets, and workshop schedules designed to help gardeners increase their horticultural expertise. For event details, e-mail bronxgreenup@nybg.org after March 1.
Saturday, March 31 • GreenThumb GrowTogether Conference, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., specific workshop time to be determined • Hostos Community College • East 149th Street and the Grand Concourse
NYC COMPOST PROJECT in the BRONX
Pre-registration recommended. To reserve your place or for more information, please contact the NYC Compost Project in the Bronx at 718.817.8543 or compost@nybg.org. Be aware that space is limited for some events; priority will be given to members of Bronx Green-Up gardens and NYC Compost Project sites in the Bronx.
Crazy for Composting
Are you passionate about composting but want more from your bin? This Q&A session provides the practical tips, advice, and encouragement you need to take composting to the next level, whether you are just starting out or have been digging in for years. Registered GreenThumb community gardens will be able to request an order of compost, soil, or clean fill for early spring delivery. Registration required; e-mail compost@nybg.org or call 718.817.8543.
Saturday, February 18 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m. • The New York Botanical Garden, Watson Education Building
Bronx Master Composter Certificate Program, Applications due February 20
This comprehensive train-the-trainer course promotes the practice of composting in homes, schools, and community gardens in the Bronx. The program consists of six evening classes, two field trips, and 30 hours of Bronx-based volunteer outreach service in compost education and promotion. Materials fee is $40; limited scholarships are available. For an application and details, e-mail compost@nybg.org, call 718.817.8543, or visit the NYC Master Composter Certificate Course Web site.
6 Tuesdays, March 27–May 8 (no class April 10), 6–9 p.m., and 2 Saturdays in April, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. • The New York Botanical Garden, Watson Education Building and off-site locations
NYC Compost Project Information Table: Bronx Parks Speak Up
Stop by for free tip sheets, pamphlets, and workshop schedules designed to help gardeners increase their composting expertise. Event registration required; for more information and to register, visit the Bronx Park Speak Up Web site.
Saturday, February 25 • Bronx Parks Speak Up event, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. • Lehman Community College, Faculty Dining Room • 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
Golden Apple Awards for Schools in NYC
Schools (both public and private) compete within their grade division (elementary, intermediate, or high school) for borough and citywide honors, as well as cash prizes in any or all of the following three TrashMasters! contests:
Super Recyclers: Show off your school's recycling program.
Reduce & Reuse Challenge: Describe how your school reduces waste.
Team Up to Clean Up: Brag about your cleanup and gardening projects.
Submit your school's environmental education efforts to the City of New York, Department of Sanitation Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling. For more details or assistance with the program, e-mail compost@nybg.org.