Springtime means the blooming of trees and flowers and the renewal of outdoor activities following a long and harsh winter. To kick off the season and as a prelude to Earth Day on April 22nd, AHRC Fisher Day Services partnered with NYC Parks Stewardship to clean and maintain street trees on the streets of East Harlem on Friday, April 17. A group of 10 people, staff included, made their way to 123rd Street and Madison Avenue to support the trees in their neighborhood. There they were able to clean the area around the roots and apply new soil for the trees and smaller plants surrounding them.
Across the street from these trees is Marcus Garvey Park. Staff work at this park to maintain cleanliness but often can’t extend their reach to the streets. Families, children, elderly, and disabled people all reside in this neighborhood and the right to a beautiful neighborhood starts with the community willing to make the change. Fisher Center was enthusiastic to help support this area for the community.
Perspective from Participants
“The event was super great. I feel good because I helped the team to take care of the neighborhood trees. Especially, I cleaned all the trash around the trees with the team. I want to go back to this kind of event again in the future.” Isabelle Evangelista
The event was super great. I feel good because I helped the team to take care of the neighborhood trees.
Isabelle Evangelista
“I cleaned all the trash around the trees with the team, Isabelle continued, “I want to go back to this kind of event again in the future.“
“The event included community people taking care of the street trees,” said Community Support Professional, Shalomi Sangma. “The team was well prepared with all the tools and materials. It was very cooperative approach between organizer team and community people. We were 10 people including the people we support and staff and it was great teamwork with every one of the events. The people walking/passing by the street were appreciating the work and the individuals did respond to them. The people we support enjoyed the volunteer work there. They thanked us for taking them there. The organizer team also thanked us for our participation at the community event. I personally loved the event and would love to go again in the future.”
Our neighborhood street trees will last lifetimes. Fisher Center and NYC Parks are ensuring that these trees will live beautiful lives for years to come. The people we support understand the need for nature and maintaining our environment and are ready to support beautification efforts. Special thanks to Teresa Pavia, Volunteer Manager, and Christina Gomes, Site Captain, for organizing this event for us and giving our volunteers a meaningful volunteer experience. We look forward to continuing hands-on environmental activism.
