In New York, Extension program instills community pride, one block at a time - Land-Grant Impacts

watering plants in a community garden

In New York, Extension program instills community pride, one block at a time

Story, Youth, Family, and Communities 2024, Community Development/Engagement, Cornell University, Extension, New York, Northeast, Urban Agriculture

In Rochester, New York, a program led by Master Gardeners and Cornell Cooperative Extension has helped low-income residents transform more than 700 blocks in their neighborhoods into beautiful, blooming gardens that instill community pride.

It all started about a decade ago with a Master Gardener volunteer who came up with the idea for the community beautification effort. The program, called Blocks and Blooms, teaches horticulture skills, encourages healthy living and fosters relationships.

Trained mentors and donated plants, compost, mulch and tools help residents of low-income neighborhoods start and maintain front-yard flower gardens. Block captains take leadership of gardens on their block and get new members signed up for the program. Many blocks hold regular “work parties” to tackle maintenance in the flower beds and to give residents a chance to enjoy fellowship with one another.

The initiative not only has made neighborhoods look nicer. Residents who participate also build connections that can help them address issues in their community.

The Blocks and Blooms model is now being expanded to other parts of the state.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds.

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