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How the efforts of a single resident (and a few friends) beautified Yorkshire Woods

Aaron Mondry

July 10, 2018 |

Model D |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Detroit, Michigan

In the Yorkshire Woods neighborhood of Detroit, where there was once blight and vacant properties, there is now a community garden. Thanks to the enterprising efforts of Mose Primus, a community activist, the neighborhood has gained the funding, volunteers, and land to change the area. Little by little it is being restored to the tight-knit community of families it used to be.

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How a yoga garden nourishes the soul of a West Side block

Heidi Stevens

July 05, 2018 |

Chicago Tribune |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Under the care of a local non-profit, what was once an abandoned lot is now a safe space—an urban garden where yoga classes are offered. Classes are donation-funded, as is the continued expansion of the project. For locals, it's a chance to think about possibilities outside of the difficulties of the neighborhood.

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A look at how Ohio's land banks are battling blight

Tracy Geibel

June 15, 2018 |

Richland Source |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Mansfield, Ohio

Ohio has more than 50 land banks, which are best known for reducing blight by demolishing old buildings, but several land banks are trying creative ways to enhance their land on a budget. Successful projects include a program for locals to redevelop old lots, a pop-up art gallery in a condemned house, and urban forests to make communities more welcoming. The collective effect of these projects is to revitalize cities all across the state.

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How a Low-Tech Solution Helped Anchorage, Alaska's Gardeners

Sara Hudson

June 13, 2018 |

Slate |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Anchorage, Alaska

Starting small has had a big impact in Anchorage, Alaska as the city looks at low-tech composting solutions that could alleviate their growing landfill problem. By revisiting a once-failed attempt to encourage composting, the local government found a way to not only build trust with the community, but also increase sustainability and resiliency efforts city-wide.

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'Fresh, free and beautiful': the rise of urban gardening

Rachel Obordo

June 07, 2018 |

The Guardian |

Multi-Media |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: United States, Orange, Connecticut

Urban gardens are helping increase access to fresh produce in Connecticut and Dallas. The program in Orange, Connecticut is unique because not only does the urban garden provide fresh produce to local food banks, but it also hosts programming for kids on the Autism spectrum. The program teaches about healthy eating and cooking, and kids, families, and the elderly can all benefit.

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How land under solar panels can contribute to food security

Frank Jossi

June 04, 2018 |

Ensia |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Minnesota

As land for solar energy production has increased around the world, cities have discovered that the same land can provide robust “pollinator-friendly” crops. These lands function as “dual-farms” because the agriculture grows under “solar canopies,” thus serving more than one purpose. They cut down on electricity costs, and increase crop production as well as the amount of pollinating insects in the surrounding areas.

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How Artists and Neighbors Turned a Bomb Site Into a Medicine Garden

Olivia Rosane

May 07, 2018 |

Yes! Magazine |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: England, London

A team of London artists revitalized a town by turning an old World War II bomb site into a community garden. They joined forces with locals, who saw the garden as an opportunity to protect the space from being developed. “The borough has the highest poverty rate in London, yet, at the same time, property values and rents have been going up.” The garden offers more than 30 varieties of medicine plants, and provides sanctuary for bats and newts.

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Community And Vegetables Grow Side-By-Side In Syrian Refugee Camp Gardens

Julia Travers

February 22, 2018 |

NPR |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Iraq

For Syrian refugees staying in camps in Northern Iraq, gardening and greenery can be a way to stay connected to home while also providing a sense of purpose. The U.K. based nonprofit The Lemon Tree Trust works to help refugees start their own gardens - and eventually sell the produce - by sponsoring a home garden competition and providing toolkits and resources for individuals who'd like to get involved.

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Faith Based Farms

Colm Flynn

December 06, 2017 |

BBC |

Radio |

Over 15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, New Jersey

In the United States, a multi-denominational movement combines faith and farming. “Gardens are magical places,” says Venice Williams, executive director of Alice’s Garden in Milwaukee, one of three faith-based farms profiled in this story. “This garden and most gardens slow you down, connect you to other people, and help you to put things into perspective and to celebrate everything that the creator has provided for us--however you identify with that creator.”

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Teens With Criminal Records Are Beautifying Baltimore By Planting Flowers

Emily Weitz

October 12, 2017 |

Vice |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Baltimore, Maryland

'Tha Flower Factory' is setting out to help provide employment, mentor kids, and restore hopefulness and beauty to the city of Baltimore. This project employs individuals to plant flowers and seeds, helping bring down criminal records and change the landscape at the same time.

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