WeGrow is a community-based program for planning and implementing the creative use of vacant urban lands for sustainable agricultural and educational purposes in the East-End community of Homewood-Brushton. The Golden Opportunity Project is the first phase: a community-based art action that identifies vacant or neglected lots with a sidewalk border of African Marigolds. During the process of planting, several activities will occur including:
> collect ideas from the young and old
> record the thoughts of concerned neighbors
> serve lemonade and information
> document neighborhood history
> remove debris
> document each lot
These lots will then be highlighted to get people thinking about future use. It is also an opportunity to build connections and grow relationships with the neighbors, community organizations and businesses within Homewood for future action.
We have embarked on a long-term process, forming relationships and facilitating community based projects to bring the country to the city. We would like to catalyze an effort to develop a sustainable agricultural farm and horseback riding facility in Homewood-Brushton. The primary intention is as an educational and experiential opportunity for the local residents to learn to grow some of their own healthy food in a safe, sustainable way.
