We are joyous to announce the return of Adopt-A-Tree: our volunteer-based, tree stewardship program. Our tree pits are finally in bloom and we’re looking for neighbors who are interested in adopting and stewarding a tree bed!
There are over 90 tree pits in our district (on just 6 blocks!)—and the process of planting perennials has been years in the making. It started six years ago with funding from the Borough President and City Council, allowing the BID to place tree guards in our previously unprotected tree pits. With each new tree guard installed, the BID is able to team with The Horticultural Society of New York to plant perennials native to Brooklyn. Every year we increase the amount of tree beds on Grand Street - this year we had help from NYC Parks who installed five new tree beds, helping us green our neighborhood more than its ever been.
Volunteers are asked to water their tree beds weekly. All of the plants in our tree pits enjoy full or partial sun, are drought tolerant, and do well in sandy or gravelly soils. Although these plants are less temperamental than most, it is important to keep an eye on them and provide water during periods of drought throughout the Summer. We partner with businesses on Grand to help supply volunteers with water, making it easy to make sure the beds stay hydrated.
Volunteers will be asked to attend one short introduction session hosted by the BID in early June. (TBA). The session includes learning about the pits, tips on what you can do to best care for them, and materials and goodies to help you along the way.
Please fill out this form to participate. We can’t wait to welcome all of our newcomers and to reconnect with our previous volunteers! Pit assignment will be first come first serve, and we will be giving priority of tree pit locations to our returning volunteers.
