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GreenThumb

An Effective Practice

Description

GreenThumb is a community gardening program in New York City that provides support to help strengthen gardens, strengthen gardener skills, and strengthen communities. GreenThumb's services take the form of materials and technical assistance, including educational workshops. Community gardens provide important green space, thus improving air quality, bio-diversity, and the well-being of residents. In addition, community gardens serve as important community resources, offering public programs that improve quality of life for residents of all ages.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to foster civic participation and encourage neighborhood revitalization while preserving open space. Community gardens provide green space and easily accessible recreational opportunities in the areas that need them most.

Results / Accomplishments

Established in 1978, GreenThumb remains the nation's largest urban gardening program, assisting over 600 gardens and nearly 20,000 garden members throughout New York City. Active garden sites create a stable force in the community that serve as anchors for area re-development initiatives, while making the city safer, healthier, and cleaner.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
GreenThumb
Primary Contact
Edie Stone
GreenThumb
49 Chambers Street, Rm 1020
New York, New York 10007
(212) 788-8070
http://www.greenthumbnyc.org
Topics
Environmental Health / Built Environment
Community / Social Environment
Art & Recreation / Sports Recreation & Parks
Organization(s)
GreenThumb
Date of publication
2007
Date of implementation
1978
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
New York, NY
Healthy Marin