UL Chapter 17

Chapter 17: Civic Ecology, Urban Elders, and New York City’s Community Garden Movement

Thesis:

            Local residents try to beautify the community crime rates and involve other residents to build and maintain the community garden.

Summary:

            This chapter was briefly about city gardens and not only do they improve the look of a poor or urban neighborhood, but also help people in different ways. As explained in the chapter these city gardens are open to everyone. Young children can learn from the experience and adults may find it a soothing experience as a way of therapy. People have also struggled to keep community gardens open.

            Building community gardens are a way of cleaning up a neighborhood. Empty lots were used for prostitution, drug use and were usually cluttered with garbage and rodents. As explained on page 249 “Some of the best documented impacts of community gardening projects have shown reductions in neighborhood crime.”

Personal Reflection:

            I actually have a garden across the street from my building and I never see anyone in it. It’s always closed, but looks like it is well taken care of. It’s really small, organized and clean. Since reading this chapter I’ve been curious to go in and visit.