Hello, this is Judith from NY Branch.

As part of our SDGs efforts, the NY Branch partnered with GrowNYC to help prepare a local community garden for summer in the city.

GrowNYC offers environmental programs that transform communities and has built over 150 new gardens, including gardens in public housing developments, churches, daycares, and senior centers.

Employees were asked to join our host Senior Manager, Mr. Suraj Bhatia, in our efforts to improve our local community and affect Climate Change in their local environment.

We also had Senior Manager, Ms. Viana Ng, join the event as well as the Americas Division General Manager, Mr. Atsushi Ueda!

21 NY Branch employees worked in Lower East Side garden that was founded in 1978 and is operated by GrowNYC. Our wonderful employees participated in the cleanup of All Peoples Garden.

The team cleared out the ivy taking over the next-door church walls, raked up fallen leaves, and spread out mulch on the flower beds. The participants also repainted benches and planted new trees in the garden.

It was impressive to see the transformation of the garden in such a short time. The community can now enjoy the garden and NYB is honored to have contributed .

We are very proud of our staff that participated in the event and thank them for their contribution to this great cause!

Effects of community gardens: As climate change intensifies, New York City will face rising temperatures, extreme heat events and hurricanes. Community gardens contribute to healthier air quality, a decreased urban heat island effect, access to fresh produce, a connection to nature, and opportunities for environmental education.

Gardens can also help manage stormwater runoff; unlike asphalt, vegetation and soil in gardens canabsorb and store rainwater.