Federal Grant Will Help Teach Residents Urban Gardening

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $30,000 to the Ironbound Community Corporation to provide community residents in the Ironbound section the skills needed to create urban gardens in vacant city lots. The grant was awarded under the EPA’s Environmental Justice Small Grants Program, which supports communities working on solutions to local environmental and public health issues.

“EPA environmental justice grants provide much needed funds to tackle local pollution problems and improve the quality of life in communities," said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. "The grant to the Ironbound Community Corporation will help educate community members on ways they can create healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods by transforming vacant lots into local gardens.”

The Ironbound Community Corporation will use the grant to educate residents on approaches to soil restoration, strategies to reduce toxic substances and ways to foster sustainable urban gardening and green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is an approach to water management that protects, restores or mimics the natural water cycle and enhances quality of life for communities. With these skills, residents will transform two vacant, under-utilized lots into community green spaces that will provide educational hands-on. Participants will have the opportunity to contribute to greening their community by learning to build raised beds, plant and maintain trees and use composting bins.