Groundwork Buffalo has had an incredibly successful year, continuing our mission to create sustainable urban environments in Greater Buffalo through community involvement and youth empowerment. Our Green Team, a group of dedicated young individuals from the Mayor Summer Youth Program, has been at the forefront of our efforts, leading a range of environmental projects throughout the city and beyond.
Key Projects and Accomplishments
- Delavan Grider Community Center: The Green Team completely overhauled the gardens at Delavan Grider, revitalizing the space with new plants, flowers, and community beds. These efforts will provide fresh produce and beautify the area, thanks to the new plans being implemented. (Photos of the transformation will be shared soon, courtesy of Tracy!)
- Iroquois Wildlife Refuge: Our youth team worked diligently to restore native plants and wildlife habitats, reinforcing the importance of biodiversity in local ecosystems.
- Agape Church Gardens: In collaboration with Agape Church, we added 6 new garden beds and repaired 12 existing beds. The Green Team planted a variety of produce and flowers and enhanced the space with fresh soil and mulch, contributing to a thriving community garden.
- Canisius Lots (East and West Lots): These formerly vacant lots were transformed into green spaces through planting, gardening, and community collaboration, further contributing to the overall greening of Buffalo’s urban landscape.
- Home Beneath Our Feet Farm (East Aurora): Our team supported sustainable farming efforts by working at the Home Beneath Our Feet farm in East Aurora, helping maintain crops and build a self-sustaining food system.
- Jefferson Northland Gardens: In preparation for the East Side Garden Walk, the Green Team revamped the Jefferson Northland Gardens, ensuring the space is vibrant and ready for community visitors.
Youth Success Stories
Our Green Team members have not only worked hard on environmental projects but also embarked on personal journeys of growth and leadership:
- Jaleah Greene and K’Saan Scott, both Mayor Summer Youth workers, had the unique opportunity to visit Yellowstone National Park, gaining exposure to environmental stewardship on a national level.
- Parris Scott took the initiative to teach himself how to create wildflower bouquets, a skill that aligns with Groundwork Buffalo’s emphasis on creativity, self-sufficiency, and appreciation for nature.
Community Impact
Through our partnerships with local organizations and community gardens, Groundwork Buffalo has made significant strides in addressing food insecurity. This year, we donated around 400 pounds of fresh produce from our various gardens, ensuring that healthy food is accessible to those in need.
Highlights and Adventures
- The Green Team took an unforgettable field trip to the Maid of the Mist, celebrating the success of their hard work while deepening their connection to nature and the environment.
Groundwork Buffalo remains committed to transforming urban spaces, empowering youth, and fostering sustainability across the region. Our partnerships, gardens, and community-based projects are not just about planting seeds in the ground but also planting seeds of change in the hearts of our youth and neighborhoods.
Together, we are building a cleaner, greener Buffalo!
