On a gorgeous Friday afternoon, FLY members came together to beautify the English Street Community Garden in the Fair Haven district of New Haven. Together with volunteers from the community and United Way of New Haven, they worked wonders with shovels, pitchforks, and rakes. This event was part of the United Way Days of Caring project.
Members also helped to assemble a shed for the garden made of 100% reclaimed wood. Said the garden coordinator, “We kept getting our tools stolen, so a shed was really necessary. We’ve been waiting months for this day!”.
The New Haven Community Gardens are run by the New Haven Land Trust. Volunteers contribute their time and energy to make these beautiful oases a success.
About the gardens:
The New Haven Land Trust manages nearly 50 community vegetable gardens by providing technical assistance and supplies. They work with neighborhood residents, tenant associations, block watches, social service agencies, schools, youth groups, and the elderly. Greening our urban areas puts vacant lots to productive use. Community gardening provides neighbors with exercise, stress relief, a sense of well being, and opportunities for family time and learning new skills. Best of all, neighbors enjoy delicious homegrown bounty.
About the United Way Days of Caring:
Volunteering strengthens our community, fosters civic responsibility, brings people together to respond to human need and creates relationships that are a vital part of the fabric of the community. “Days of Caring” is their annual invitation to the community to join together to advance the common good demonstrating what people working together can accomplish in our region.