staten island

What is the safest way to keep vermin out of your building? Can it be done without resorting to harmful chemicals?  This workshop brings together leaders in the design and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in affordable housing.   IPM is a series of approaches that manage pest damage on households in an economical way, with the least possible hazard to residents, property, and the environment.  IPM aims to utilize common sense strategy without reliance on harmful chemicals and other potentially unhealthy methods.

Drawing from the innovative Brooklyn Greens Initiative and other neighborhood sustainability initiatives, Greening from the Ground Up Conference will showcase successes, make tools available and share strategies among community based organizations to harness collective action in the effort to make neighborhoods more environmentally friendly. Please join us for this free event. 

Morning Workshops

Growing Urban Agriculture  
This workshop explores the potential of urban agriculture:  is it a labor of love to provide food access?  Is it a business?  Is it an educational tool? Can it be a job generator? Panelists will discuss their amazing projects, their goals and the yield they have harvested in terms of dollars, produce and lessons.  Participants will leave this session with ideas, inspiration and an understanding of how urban farming fits into the state agricultural department’s priorities, programs and funding.