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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 15, 2009
CONTACT
Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org
Deadline for Entering the Annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest is Monday, June 1
PHOTOS: 2008 Residential First Place Winner, 8th Street between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue (photos courtesy Brooklyn Botanic Garden).
Brooklyn, New York—MAY 15, 2009—The deadline to vie for the coveted Greenest Block in Brooklyn title is fast approaching! June 1, 2009, marks the last day that residents and businesses who want to use the contest as a way to build greener communities can submit applications to enter the annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest.
The contest is a program of GreenBridge, the community environmental horticulture program of Brooklyn Botanic Garden, in cooperation with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and sponsored by Independence Community Foundation. Hundreds of the borough's blocks have organized and already entered the lively competition, which encourages Brooklynites to beautify their blocks, build community, and make Brooklyn green. GreenBridge's community outreach program is designed to share the knowledge and resources of Brooklyn Botanic Garden with the neighborhoods of the borough.
For the first time, block and merchant associations can enter the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest online at www.bbg.org/edu/greenbridge/greenestblock/. GreenBridge encourages Brooklyn residents and businesses to take advantage of its new tip sheet, “Grandma's Recession-Proof Gardening Tips,” which will be sent to all contest entrants along with a laminated poster announcing the block's participation. The tip sheet offers sage advice and practical ideas to keep gardens thriving during tough economic times, using the frugal planting wisdom of earlier generations and renewing it with today's sustainable gardening practices.
Contest Information
The Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest entry deadline is June 1, 2009. Blocks will be judged based on a variety of criteria, including color and total visual effect, citizen participation, variety and suitability of plants, soil condition, use of mulch, street tree and tree bed care, and other horticultural practices. Judging begins on June 8 and continues through much of July; winners will be announced in August. Every block that enters is visited in the first round. All entrants receive a recognition certificate and free gift bags of fall bulbs at the recognition ceremony.
Entrants must be a block or merchants' association or a civic or neighborhood organization, representing one residential block or a group of commercial blocks. For a photo gallery of past winners, contest guidelines, and contest entry materials for residential and commercial blocks, please call the GreenBridge office at 718-623-7250, or visit bbg.org/edu/greenbridge/greenestblock/. There is no cost to enter.
Greenest Block in Brooklyn entrants can get an edge on the competition and learn how to have the greenest impact by signing up for Brooklyn GreenBridge's FREE workshops, offered year-round. Workshops focus on topics like street tree care, rain gardening, and composting, and are open to members of community gardens, block associations, and neighborhood community groups. Preregistration is required at least one week in advance for these workshops. Call 718-623-7220 to register. Workshops are free, but space is limited.
Street Tree Bed Gardening
Thursday, May 21 | 6–8 p.m.
Thursday, July 2 | 6–8 p.m.
Street trees do much to improve our environment, but they often receive little care. In this class, learn the benefits of street trees, how to improve the health of a street tree by caring for its bed, get tips on tree bed gardening, and more in-depth information on street-tree care. Bring your care questions about street trees and find out more about the city's efforts to increase and protect the urban forest canopy. No charge, but registration is required.
Brooklyn Compost Project
Funded and managed since 1993 by the NYC Department of Sanitation's Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling to provide compost outreach and education in all five boroughs, Brooklyn Compost Project programs are carried out by Brooklyn Botanic Garden through GreenBridge. For more information, please contact the Compost Help Line at 718-623-7290, or e-mail compost@bbg.org.