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    [title] => Seneca Street Community Farm
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Is this a...: 
ongoing project
How many people are directly involved in your project? : 
60
How many people has your project helped?  : 
60
Location(s)

Buffalo, NY, 14210
See map: Google Maps
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Our project plan is to create a community garden in a vacant lot located near the program site in an impoverished neighborhood, at a vacant schoolyard located at 84 Harrison Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. The purpose of this project is to enhance the beautification of the neighborhood as well as provide an on-going learning device for youth. In addition to learning how to be effective gardeners and sustaining the land, participants will also learn about nutrition and how to improve the quality of the garden over time. 

The Seneca Street United Methodist Church is located in a district of Buffalo, NY which is known for being one of the poorest districts in the city.  The history of Buffalo, NY was that of a thriving industrial and residential community.  However, those days are gone, and we are now left with a fractured community, one in which vacant, unused former industrial sites and abandoned homes are abundant. According to 2000 statistics, approximately 14.2% of available housing was vacant or abandoned in this section of the city.  Additionally, approximately 27% of the population in this area was under the age of 19 in 2000. With the combination of the large amount of youth in the area along with the high rate of abandoned housing, there is an enormous need to have the youth involved in the community. 

This community garden is greatly needed because the community currently lacks a green gathering space where community-building initiatives can be formed and a sense of community can be fostered. We are becoming increasingly aware of promoting environmental justice in one of Buffalo's most impoverished communities. Once completed, our project will provide green space and gardening opportunities to youth and members of the community for generations to come.
Why is it important to you?: 
The Science Firsthand program is based on the relationship between a mentor-mentee relationship, exploring the natural urban landscape and other facets of science. The team of mentor and youth identify questions and investigate strategies to find answers, both learning first hand.  Science Firsthand is site based, with mentors meeting their mentees at six youth centers during after school programs. The centers are all in the City of Buffalo, in the Niagara, Lovejoy, Seneca Babcock and South Buffalo communities. At each center, mentoring teams meet daily to be “partners in discovery”. 

The Seneca Street Community Church is an after-school program that we partner with, collaborating to create a community garden involving the youth and community members. Providing support is a priority for the Science Firsthand staff, which includes research for investigations, procurement of materials and equipment, communications with the center and youth, and help with youth development and relationship issues. By creating this garden, we will focus on community gardening, as well as building relationships, skills, and a sense of pride. 

Our main focus is the youth who are attending after-school programs and are interested in the community garden. Youth from the after-school program have participated in a hands-on science program and recycling. 

We expect to not only increase the knowledge of the involved youth and volunteers during this project, but also to increase curiosity and concern for the environment.  By encouraging them to complete this green space, we trust everyone will gain a sense of property ownership, and care for and maintain the garden throughout the seasons. In addition, we hope that our youth and volunteers will continue to seek out other areas in need of environmental justice and continue the process throughout the community.
 
Our hope is that we will develop better understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.  We strive to develop a sense of pride in the community by building this community garden with our own hands. 

There are numerous dedicated community groups in the area, focused on environmentally sustainable projects.  By collaborating with these groups, we will be able to have an even larger impact on the surrounding community.  Other organizations we have received support from include: AmeriCorps ABLE, Friends of Seneca Street (FOSS), Seneca Street Community Development Corporation, Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities, Seneca Babcock Block Club, local Churches, First Hand Learning and National Resource Conservation Service.  By working with these groups and organizations, we aspire to gain more knowledge about the project, including any insight from previous projects. 
What's your plan of action?: 
Youth at Seneca Street United Methodist Church, along with other neighborhood partners and individuals, are planning to create a community garden in a nearby vacant lot.  This vacant lot is a blight to the surrounding community, but has enormous potential. It is our goal to coordinate volunteers to transform this site into a garden, beginning from October 2008 to May 2009. By creating this green space, our youth will learn a variety of key life skills, ranging from budgeting to nutrition to sustainability, and community leadership. 

The planning and budgeting stages of this project are being implemented throughout the winter months. We have met numerous times to strategically plan the size and location of the raised beds within the vacant lot. By planning the budget and necessary expenses during these months, the youth involved will be enhancing their understanding of financial resourcefulness and stewardship. Additionally, the youth will decide, along with their mentors, what plants and vegetables are preferred to plant in such a garden, as well as maintenance and care of them. 

In order to do this entire project, we will need tools and supplies for the making of the gardens, as well as professional instruction and guidance. One of the most crucial aspect of this project is not only having the volunteers, but also the tools and resources to implement it successfully. 

Numerous life skills are reinforced throughout this service project, primarily math and science skills.   By having our youth as co-leaders of the project, a wide range of skills will be learned first-hand, ranging from planning and budgeting, to construction and maintenance. By initiating the community garden, youth will not only learn how to plan and implement a large project, but also how to communicate it effectively and precisely.  Coordination and communication are crucial leadership qualities that we are learning as a direct result of this project. The leadership skills learned in this project are invaluable and are applicable to all areas of life, even after this project is finished.
How Can Others Help?: 
People can be involved in our project numerous ways, ranging from assistance in planning to implementation to follow-up work.  We are realizing how crucial every step of the process is, and the fundamental importance of volunteers.  By reaching out to local experts in the field, we have been able to do a great amount of research and development pertaining to the community garden.  Therefore, we are always open to more volunteers as well as suggestions for our community garden and ongoing projects.  Our overall goal for this entire project is not only to create a green-space in our impoverished neighborhood, but to create a sustainable project that will expand and impact the lives of all those involved.  By changing the mindset and attitude of the youth pertaining to the environment, we are generating a change for the future.
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
20
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The Seneca Street United Methodist Church is located in a district of Buffalo, NY which is known for being one of the poorest districts in the city.  The history of Buffalo, NY was that of a thriving industrial and residential community.  However, those days are gone, and we are now left with a fractured community, one in which vacant, unused former industrial sites and abandoned homes are abundant. According to 2000 statistics, approximately 14.2% of available housing was vacant or abandoned in this section of the city.  Additionally, approximately 27% of the population in this area was under the age of 19 in 2000. With the combination of the large amount of youth in the area along with the high rate of abandoned housing, there is an enormous need to have the youth involved in the community. 

This community garden is greatly needed because the community currently lacks a green gathering space where community-building initiatives can be formed and a sense of community can be fostered. We are becoming increasingly aware of promoting environmental justice in one of Buffalo's most impoverished communities. Once completed, our project will provide green space and gardening opportunities to youth and members of the community for generations to come.
                    [view] => Our project plan is to create a community garden in a vacant lot located near the program site in an impoverished neighborhood, at a vacant schoolyard located at 84 Harrison Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. The purpose of this project is to enhance the beautification of the neighborhood as well as provide an on-going learning device for youth. In addition to learning how to be effective gardeners and sustaining the land, participants will also learn about nutrition and how to improve the quality of the garden over time. 

The Seneca Street United Methodist Church is located in a district of Buffalo, NY which is known for being one of the poorest districts in the city.  The history of Buffalo, NY was that of a thriving industrial and residential community.  However, those days are gone, and we are now left with a fractured community, one in which vacant, unused former industrial sites and abandoned homes are abundant. According to 2000 statistics, approximately 14.2% of available housing was vacant or abandoned in this section of the city.  Additionally, approximately 27% of the population in this area was under the age of 19 in 2000. With the combination of the large amount of youth in the area along with the high rate of abandoned housing, there is an enormous need to have the youth involved in the community. 

This community garden is greatly needed because the community currently lacks a green gathering space where community-building initiatives can be formed and a sense of community can be fostered. We are becoming increasingly aware of promoting environmental justice in one of Buffalo's most impoverished communities. Once completed, our project will provide green space and gardening opportunities to youth and members of the community for generations to come.
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                    [value] => The Science Firsthand program is based on the relationship between a mentor-mentee relationship, exploring the natural urban landscape and other facets of science. The team of mentor and youth identify questions and investigate strategies to find answers, both learning first hand.  Science Firsthand is site based, with mentors meeting their mentees at six youth centers during after school programs. The centers are all in the City of Buffalo, in the Niagara, Lovejoy, Seneca Babcock and South Buffalo communities. At each center, mentoring teams meet daily to be “partners in discovery”. 

The Seneca Street Community Church is an after-school program that we partner with, collaborating to create a community garden involving the youth and community members. Providing support is a priority for the Science Firsthand staff, which includes research for investigations, procurement of materials and equipment, communications with the center and youth, and help with youth development and relationship issues. By creating this garden, we will focus on community gardening, as well as building relationships, skills, and a sense of pride. 

Our main focus is the youth who are attending after-school programs and are interested in the community garden. Youth from the after-school program have participated in a hands-on science program and recycling. 

We expect to not only increase the knowledge of the involved youth and volunteers during this project, but also to increase curiosity and concern for the environment.  By encouraging them to complete this green space, we trust everyone will gain a sense of property ownership, and care for and maintain the garden throughout the seasons. In addition, we hope that our youth and volunteers will continue to seek out other areas in need of environmental justice and continue the process throughout the community.
 
Our hope is that we will develop better understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.  We strive to develop a sense of pride in the community by building this community garden with our own hands. 

There are numerous dedicated community groups in the area, focused on environmentally sustainable projects.  By collaborating with these groups, we will be able to have an even larger impact on the surrounding community.  Other organizations we have received support from include: AmeriCorps ABLE, Friends of Seneca Street (FOSS), Seneca Street Community Development Corporation, Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities, Seneca Babcock Block Club, local Churches, First Hand Learning and National Resource Conservation Service.  By working with these groups and organizations, we aspire to gain more knowledge about the project, including any insight from previous projects. 
                    [view] => The Science Firsthand program is based on the relationship between a mentor-mentee relationship, exploring the natural urban landscape and other facets of science. The team of mentor and youth identify questions and investigate strategies to find answers, both learning first hand.  Science Firsthand is site based, with mentors meeting their mentees at six youth centers during after school programs. The centers are all in the City of Buffalo, in the Niagara, Lovejoy, Seneca Babcock and South Buffalo communities. At each center, mentoring teams meet daily to be “partners in discovery”. 

The Seneca Street Community Church is an after-school program that we partner with, collaborating to create a community garden involving the youth and community members. Providing support is a priority for the Science Firsthand staff, which includes research for investigations, procurement of materials and equipment, communications with the center and youth, and help with youth development and relationship issues. By creating this garden, we will focus on community gardening, as well as building relationships, skills, and a sense of pride. 

Our main focus is the youth who are attending after-school programs and are interested in the community garden. Youth from the after-school program have participated in a hands-on science program and recycling. 

We expect to not only increase the knowledge of the involved youth and volunteers during this project, but also to increase curiosity and concern for the environment.  By encouraging them to complete this green space, we trust everyone will gain a sense of property ownership, and care for and maintain the garden throughout the seasons. In addition, we hope that our youth and volunteers will continue to seek out other areas in need of environmental justice and continue the process throughout the community.
 
Our hope is that we will develop better understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.  We strive to develop a sense of pride in the community by building this community garden with our own hands. 

There are numerous dedicated community groups in the area, focused on environmentally sustainable projects.  By collaborating with these groups, we will be able to have an even larger impact on the surrounding community.  Other organizations we have received support from include: AmeriCorps ABLE, Friends of Seneca Street (FOSS), Seneca Street Community Development Corporation, Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities, Seneca Babcock Block Club, local Churches, First Hand Learning and National Resource Conservation Service.  By working with these groups and organizations, we aspire to gain more knowledge about the project, including any insight from previous projects. 
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                    [value] => Youth at Seneca Street United Methodist Church, along with other neighborhood partners and individuals, are planning to create a community garden in a nearby vacant lot.  This vacant lot is a blight to the surrounding community, but has enormous potential. It is our goal to coordinate volunteers to transform this site into a garden, beginning from October 2008 to May 2009. By creating this green space, our youth will learn a variety of key life skills, ranging from budgeting to nutrition to sustainability, and community leadership. 

The planning and budgeting stages of this project are being implemented throughout the winter months. We have met numerous times to strategically plan the size and location of the raised beds within the vacant lot. By planning the budget and necessary expenses during these months, the youth involved will be enhancing their understanding of financial resourcefulness and stewardship. Additionally, the youth will decide, along with their mentors, what plants and vegetables are preferred to plant in such a garden, as well as maintenance and care of them. 

In order to do this entire project, we will need tools and supplies for the making of the gardens, as well as professional instruction and guidance. One of the most crucial aspect of this project is not only having the volunteers, but also the tools and resources to implement it successfully. 

Numerous life skills are reinforced throughout this service project, primarily math and science skills.   By having our youth as co-leaders of the project, a wide range of skills will be learned first-hand, ranging from planning and budgeting, to construction and maintenance. By initiating the community garden, youth will not only learn how to plan and implement a large project, but also how to communicate it effectively and precisely.  Coordination and communication are crucial leadership qualities that we are learning as a direct result of this project. The leadership skills learned in this project are invaluable and are applicable to all areas of life, even after this project is finished.
                    [view] => Youth at Seneca Street United Methodist Church, along with other neighborhood partners and individuals, are planning to create a community garden in a nearby vacant lot.  This vacant lot is a blight to the surrounding community, but has enormous potential. It is our goal to coordinate volunteers to transform this site into a garden, beginning from October 2008 to May 2009. By creating this green space, our youth will learn a variety of key life skills, ranging from budgeting to nutrition to sustainability, and community leadership. 

The planning and budgeting stages of this project are being implemented throughout the winter months. We have met numerous times to strategically plan the size and location of the raised beds within the vacant lot. By planning the budget and necessary expenses during these months, the youth involved will be enhancing their understanding of financial resourcefulness and stewardship. Additionally, the youth will decide, along with their mentors, what plants and vegetables are preferred to plant in such a garden, as well as maintenance and care of them. 

In order to do this entire project, we will need tools and supplies for the making of the gardens, as well as professional instruction and guidance. One of the most crucial aspect of this project is not only having the volunteers, but also the tools and resources to implement it successfully. 

Numerous life skills are reinforced throughout this service project, primarily math and science skills.   By having our youth as co-leaders of the project, a wide range of skills will be learned first-hand, ranging from planning and budgeting, to construction and maintenance. By initiating the community garden, youth will not only learn how to plan and implement a large project, but also how to communicate it effectively and precisely.  Coordination and communication are crucial leadership qualities that we are learning as a direct result of this project. The leadership skills learned in this project are invaluable and are applicable to all areas of life, even after this project is finished.
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Location(s)

Buffalo, NY, 14210
See map: Google Maps
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What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Our project plan is to create a community garden in a vacant lot located near the program site in an impoverished neighborhood, at a vacant schoolyard located at 84 Harrison Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. The purpose of this project is to enhance the beautification of the neighborhood as well as provide an on-going learning device for youth. In addition to learning how to be effective gardeners and sustaining the land, participants will also learn about nutrition and how to improve the quality of the garden over time. 

The Seneca Street United Methodist Church is located in a district of Buffalo, NY which is known for being one of the poorest districts in the city.  The history of Buffalo, NY was that of a thriving industrial and residential community.  However, those days are gone, and we are now left with a fractured community, one in which vacant, unused former industrial sites and abandoned homes are abundant. According to 2000 statistics, approximately 14.2% of available housing was vacant or abandoned in this section of the city.  Additionally, approximately 27% of the population in this area was under the age of 19 in 2000. With the combination of the large amount of youth in the area along with the high rate of abandoned housing, there is an enormous need to have the youth involved in the community. 

This community garden is greatly needed because the community currently lacks a green gathering space where community-building initiatives can be formed and a sense of community can be fostered. We are becoming increasingly aware of promoting environmental justice in one of Buffalo's most impoverished communities. Once completed, our project will provide green space and gardening opportunities to youth and members of the community for generations to come.
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Why is it important to you?: 
The Science Firsthand program is based on the relationship between a mentor-mentee relationship, exploring the natural urban landscape and other facets of science. The team of mentor and youth identify questions and investigate strategies to find answers, both learning first hand.  Science Firsthand is site based, with mentors meeting their mentees at six youth centers during after school programs. The centers are all in the City of Buffalo, in the Niagara, Lovejoy, Seneca Babcock and South Buffalo communities. At each center, mentoring teams meet daily to be “partners in discovery”. 

The Seneca Street Community Church is an after-school program that we partner with, collaborating to create a community garden involving the youth and community members. Providing support is a priority for the Science Firsthand staff, which includes research for investigations, procurement of materials and equipment, communications with the center and youth, and help with youth development and relationship issues. By creating this garden, we will focus on community gardening, as well as building relationships, skills, and a sense of pride. 

Our main focus is the youth who are attending after-school programs and are interested in the community garden. Youth from the after-school program have participated in a hands-on science program and recycling. 

We expect to not only increase the knowledge of the involved youth and volunteers during this project, but also to increase curiosity and concern for the environment.  By encouraging them to complete this green space, we trust everyone will gain a sense of property ownership, and care for and maintain the garden throughout the seasons. In addition, we hope that our youth and volunteers will continue to seek out other areas in need of environmental justice and continue the process throughout the community.
 
Our hope is that we will develop better understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.  We strive to develop a sense of pride in the community by building this community garden with our own hands. 

There are numerous dedicated community groups in the area, focused on environmentally sustainable projects.  By collaborating with these groups, we will be able to have an even larger impact on the surrounding community.  Other organizations we have received support from include: AmeriCorps ABLE, Friends of Seneca Street (FOSS), Seneca Street Community Development Corporation, Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities, Seneca Babcock Block Club, local Churches, First Hand Learning and National Resource Conservation Service.  By working with these groups and organizations, we aspire to gain more knowledge about the project, including any insight from previous projects. 
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What's your plan of action?: 
Youth at Seneca Street United Methodist Church, along with other neighborhood partners and individuals, are planning to create a community garden in a nearby vacant lot.  This vacant lot is a blight to the surrounding community, but has enormous potential. It is our goal to coordinate volunteers to transform this site into a garden, beginning from October 2008 to May 2009. By creating this green space, our youth will learn a variety of key life skills, ranging from budgeting to nutrition to sustainability, and community leadership. 

The planning and budgeting stages of this project are being implemented throughout the winter months. We have met numerous times to strategically plan the size and location of the raised beds within the vacant lot. By planning the budget and necessary expenses during these months, the youth involved will be enhancing their understanding of financial resourcefulness and stewardship. Additionally, the youth will decide, along with their mentors, what plants and vegetables are preferred to plant in such a garden, as well as maintenance and care of them. 

In order to do this entire project, we will need tools and supplies for the making of the gardens, as well as professional instruction and guidance. One of the most crucial aspect of this project is not only having the volunteers, but also the tools and resources to implement it successfully. 

Numerous life skills are reinforced throughout this service project, primarily math and science skills.   By having our youth as co-leaders of the project, a wide range of skills will be learned first-hand, ranging from planning and budgeting, to construction and maintenance. By initiating the community garden, youth will not only learn how to plan and implement a large project, but also how to communicate it effectively and precisely.  Coordination and communication are crucial leadership qualities that we are learning as a direct result of this project. The leadership skills learned in this project are invaluable and are applicable to all areas of life, even after this project is finished.
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How Can Others Help?: 
People can be involved in our project numerous ways, ranging from assistance in planning to implementation to follow-up work.  We are realizing how crucial every step of the process is, and the fundamental importance of volunteers.  By reaching out to local experts in the field, we have been able to do a great amount of research and development pertaining to the community garden.  Therefore, we are always open to more volunteers as well as suggestions for our community garden and ongoing projects.  Our overall goal for this entire project is not only to create a green-space in our impoverished neighborhood, but to create a sustainable project that will expand and impact the lives of all those involved.  By changing the mindset and attitude of the youth pertaining to the environment, we are generating a change for the future.

                            [#weight] => 3
                            [#printed] => 1
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                    [#children] => 
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Our project plan is to create a community garden in a vacant lot located near the program site in an impoverished neighborhood, at a vacant schoolyard located at 84 Harrison Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. The purpose of this project is to enhance the beautification of the neighborhood as well as provide an on-going learning device for youth. In addition to learning how to be effective gardeners and sustaining the land, participants will also learn about nutrition and how to improve the quality of the garden over time. 

The Seneca Street United Methodist Church is located in a district of Buffalo, NY which is known for being one of the poorest districts in the city.  The history of Buffalo, NY was that of a thriving industrial and residential community.  However, those days are gone, and we are now left with a fractured community, one in which vacant, unused former industrial sites and abandoned homes are abundant. According to 2000 statistics, approximately 14.2% of available housing was vacant or abandoned in this section of the city.  Additionally, approximately 27% of the population in this area was under the age of 19 in 2000. With the combination of the large amount of youth in the area along with the high rate of abandoned housing, there is an enormous need to have the youth involved in the community. 

This community garden is greatly needed because the community currently lacks a green gathering space where community-building initiatives can be formed and a sense of community can be fostered. We are becoming increasingly aware of promoting environmental justice in one of Buffalo's most impoverished communities. Once completed, our project will provide green space and gardening opportunities to youth and members of the community for generations to come.
Why is it important to you?: 
The Science Firsthand program is based on the relationship between a mentor-mentee relationship, exploring the natural urban landscape and other facets of science. The team of mentor and youth identify questions and investigate strategies to find answers, both learning first hand.  Science Firsthand is site based, with mentors meeting their mentees at six youth centers during after school programs. The centers are all in the City of Buffalo, in the Niagara, Lovejoy, Seneca Babcock and South Buffalo communities. At each center, mentoring teams meet daily to be “partners in discovery”. 

The Seneca Street Community Church is an after-school program that we partner with, collaborating to create a community garden involving the youth and community members. Providing support is a priority for the Science Firsthand staff, which includes research for investigations, procurement of materials and equipment, communications with the center and youth, and help with youth development and relationship issues. By creating this garden, we will focus on community gardening, as well as building relationships, skills, and a sense of pride. 

Our main focus is the youth who are attending after-school programs and are interested in the community garden. Youth from the after-school program have participated in a hands-on science program and recycling. 

We expect to not only increase the knowledge of the involved youth and volunteers during this project, but also to increase curiosity and concern for the environment.  By encouraging them to complete this green space, we trust everyone will gain a sense of property ownership, and care for and maintain the garden throughout the seasons. In addition, we hope that our youth and volunteers will continue to seek out other areas in need of environmental justice and continue the process throughout the community.
 
Our hope is that we will develop better understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.  We strive to develop a sense of pride in the community by building this community garden with our own hands. 

There are numerous dedicated community groups in the area, focused on environmentally sustainable projects.  By collaborating with these groups, we will be able to have an even larger impact on the surrounding community.  Other organizations we have received support from include: AmeriCorps ABLE, Friends of Seneca Street (FOSS), Seneca Street Community Development Corporation, Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities, Seneca Babcock Block Club, local Churches, First Hand Learning and National Resource Conservation Service.  By working with these groups and organizations, we aspire to gain more knowledge about the project, including any insight from previous projects. 
What's your plan of action?: 
Youth at Seneca Street United Methodist Church, along with other neighborhood partners and individuals, are planning to create a community garden in a nearby vacant lot.  This vacant lot is a blight to the surrounding community, but has enormous potential. It is our goal to coordinate volunteers to transform this site into a garden, beginning from October 2008 to May 2009. By creating this green space, our youth will learn a variety of key life skills, ranging from budgeting to nutrition to sustainability, and community leadership. 

The planning and budgeting stages of this project are being implemented throughout the winter months. We have met numerous times to strategically plan the size and location of the raised beds within the vacant lot. By planning the budget and necessary expenses during these months, the youth involved will be enhancing their understanding of financial resourcefulness and stewardship. Additionally, the youth will decide, along with their mentors, what plants and vegetables are preferred to plant in such a garden, as well as maintenance and care of them. 

In order to do this entire project, we will need tools and supplies for the making of the gardens, as well as professional instruction and guidance. One of the most crucial aspect of this project is not only having the volunteers, but also the tools and resources to implement it successfully. 

Numerous life skills are reinforced throughout this service project, primarily math and science skills.   By having our youth as co-leaders of the project, a wide range of skills will be learned first-hand, ranging from planning and budgeting, to construction and maintenance. By initiating the community garden, youth will not only learn how to plan and implement a large project, but also how to communicate it effectively and precisely.  Coordination and communication are crucial leadership qualities that we are learning as a direct result of this project. The leadership skills learned in this project are invaluable and are applicable to all areas of life, even after this project is finished.
How Can Others Help?: 
People can be involved in our project numerous ways, ranging from assistance in planning to implementation to follow-up work.  We are realizing how crucial every step of the process is, and the fundamental importance of volunteers.  By reaching out to local experts in the field, we have been able to do a great amount of research and development pertaining to the community garden.  Therefore, we are always open to more volunteers as well as suggestions for our community garden and ongoing projects.  Our overall goal for this entire project is not only to create a green-space in our impoverished neighborhood, but to create a sustainable project that will expand and impact the lives of all those involved.  By changing the mindset and attitude of the youth pertaining to the environment, we are generating a change for the future.

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Total hours volunteered (to date): 
20
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                    [#weight] => 2
                    [#description] => 
                    [#title] => 
                    [#children] => 
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
20
                    [#printed] => 1
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            [#children] => 
Is this a...: 
ongoing project
How many people are directly involved in your project? : 
60
How many people has your project helped?  : 
60
Location(s)

Buffalo, NY, 14210
See map: Google Maps
What's the problem you are trying to solve?: 
Our project plan is to create a community garden in a vacant lot located near the program site in an impoverished neighborhood, at a vacant schoolyard located at 84 Harrison Street, Buffalo, NY 14210. The purpose of this project is to enhance the beautification of the neighborhood as well as provide an on-going learning device for youth. In addition to learning how to be effective gardeners and sustaining the land, participants will also learn about nutrition and how to improve the quality of the garden over time. 

The Seneca Street United Methodist Church is located in a district of Buffalo, NY which is known for being one of the poorest districts in the city.  The history of Buffalo, NY was that of a thriving industrial and residential community.  However, those days are gone, and we are now left with a fractured community, one in which vacant, unused former industrial sites and abandoned homes are abundant. According to 2000 statistics, approximately 14.2% of available housing was vacant or abandoned in this section of the city.  Additionally, approximately 27% of the population in this area was under the age of 19 in 2000. With the combination of the large amount of youth in the area along with the high rate of abandoned housing, there is an enormous need to have the youth involved in the community. 

This community garden is greatly needed because the community currently lacks a green gathering space where community-building initiatives can be formed and a sense of community can be fostered. We are becoming increasingly aware of promoting environmental justice in one of Buffalo's most impoverished communities. Once completed, our project will provide green space and gardening opportunities to youth and members of the community for generations to come.
Why is it important to you?: 
The Science Firsthand program is based on the relationship between a mentor-mentee relationship, exploring the natural urban landscape and other facets of science. The team of mentor and youth identify questions and investigate strategies to find answers, both learning first hand.  Science Firsthand is site based, with mentors meeting their mentees at six youth centers during after school programs. The centers are all in the City of Buffalo, in the Niagara, Lovejoy, Seneca Babcock and South Buffalo communities. At each center, mentoring teams meet daily to be “partners in discovery”. 

The Seneca Street Community Church is an after-school program that we partner with, collaborating to create a community garden involving the youth and community members. Providing support is a priority for the Science Firsthand staff, which includes research for investigations, procurement of materials and equipment, communications with the center and youth, and help with youth development and relationship issues. By creating this garden, we will focus on community gardening, as well as building relationships, skills, and a sense of pride. 

Our main focus is the youth who are attending after-school programs and are interested in the community garden. Youth from the after-school program have participated in a hands-on science program and recycling. 

We expect to not only increase the knowledge of the involved youth and volunteers during this project, but also to increase curiosity and concern for the environment.  By encouraging them to complete this green space, we trust everyone will gain a sense of property ownership, and care for and maintain the garden throughout the seasons. In addition, we hope that our youth and volunteers will continue to seek out other areas in need of environmental justice and continue the process throughout the community.
 
Our hope is that we will develop better understanding and appreciation for the natural environment.  We strive to develop a sense of pride in the community by building this community garden with our own hands. 

There are numerous dedicated community groups in the area, focused on environmentally sustainable projects.  By collaborating with these groups, we will be able to have an even larger impact on the surrounding community.  Other organizations we have received support from include: AmeriCorps ABLE, Friends of Seneca Street (FOSS), Seneca Street Community Development Corporation, Daemen College Center for Sustainable Communities, Seneca Babcock Block Club, local Churches, First Hand Learning and National Resource Conservation Service.  By working with these groups and organizations, we aspire to gain more knowledge about the project, including any insight from previous projects. 
What's your plan of action?: 
Youth at Seneca Street United Methodist Church, along with other neighborhood partners and individuals, are planning to create a community garden in a nearby vacant lot.  This vacant lot is a blight to the surrounding community, but has enormous potential. It is our goal to coordinate volunteers to transform this site into a garden, beginning from October 2008 to May 2009. By creating this green space, our youth will learn a variety of key life skills, ranging from budgeting to nutrition to sustainability, and community leadership. 

The planning and budgeting stages of this project are being implemented throughout the winter months. We have met numerous times to strategically plan the size and location of the raised beds within the vacant lot. By planning the budget and necessary expenses during these months, the youth involved will be enhancing their understanding of financial resourcefulness and stewardship. Additionally, the youth will decide, along with their mentors, what plants and vegetables are preferred to plant in such a garden, as well as maintenance and care of them. 

In order to do this entire project, we will need tools and supplies for the making of the gardens, as well as professional instruction and guidance. One of the most crucial aspect of this project is not only having the volunteers, but also the tools and resources to implement it successfully. 

Numerous life skills are reinforced throughout this service project, primarily math and science skills.   By having our youth as co-leaders of the project, a wide range of skills will be learned first-hand, ranging from planning and budgeting, to construction and maintenance. By initiating the community garden, youth will not only learn how to plan and implement a large project, but also how to communicate it effectively and precisely.  Coordination and communication are crucial leadership qualities that we are learning as a direct result of this project. The leadership skills learned in this project are invaluable and are applicable to all areas of life, even after this project is finished.
How Can Others Help?: 
People can be involved in our project numerous ways, ranging from assistance in planning to implementation to follow-up work.  We are realizing how crucial every step of the process is, and the fundamental importance of volunteers.  By reaching out to local experts in the field, we have been able to do a great amount of research and development pertaining to the community garden.  Therefore, we are always open to more volunteers as well as suggestions for our community garden and ongoing projects.  Our overall goal for this entire project is not only to create a green-space in our impoverished neighborhood, but to create a sustainable project that will expand and impact the lives of all those involved.  By changing the mindset and attitude of the youth pertaining to the environment, we are generating a change for the future.
Total hours volunteered (to date): 
20
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