EARTH WEEK 2022 — ROOTING FOR NYC’S FUTURE
The City of New York is demonstrating its commitment to leveraging green infrastructure as a climate resilience tool just in time for spring. This past Earth Week, we at Brooklyn Grange crisscrossed the boroughs as we joined the new administration in celebrating New York’s living architecture. From our vantage high above the skyline, the future of New York City is looking greener than ever. Read on for a rundown of exciting developments NYC made during Earth Week 2022.
Mayor Adams opening rooftop farm on Staten Island.
1. MAYOR ERIC ADAMS LAUNCHES NICOTRA GROWN ORGANIC ROOFTOP FARM
Earth Week started off strong when Mayor Eric Adams officially launched the 32,000 sq ft Nicotra Grown Organic Rooftop Farm atop Corporate Commons Three in Staten Island. It was an incredible experience working with The Nicotra Group on a new development designed with a rooftop farm in mind.We were excited to welcome NYC DEP Commissioner and Chief Climate Officer, Rohit “Rit” Aggrawala whose office funded the green roof with $670,000 through the city’s Green Infrastructure Grant Program.
“Our investment in this rooftop farm embodies the future of sustainable agriculture and resiliency by serving those in the neighborhood, and by absorbing stormwater and protecting New York Harbor, and it will deliver a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.” - New York City Mayor Eric Adams
“At DEP, we try to capture as much storm water as possible, before it can enter our sewer system so that it doesn't overtax and cause flooding and it doesn't lead to combined sewer overflows that pollute our harbor. And to do that, as the mayor said, we've been installing green infrastructure throughout the city, incorporating it on sidewalks at NYCHA facilities and parks and in playgrounds. Since the [Green Infrastructure Grant] Program has begun, we've committed more than $14 million, to more than 34 private property owners and local organizations interested in being part of the solution.” - Rohit “Rit” Aggrawala, DEP Commissioner and Chief Climate Officer
“At Brooklyn Grange, we are building green spaces across the boroughs that will work for New Yorkers around the clock to create the cities we know we need for a climate adapted future. We are thrilled to have partnered with the Nicotra Group and DEP to design and build this green roof, and we can’t wait to see what we’re able to accomplish under Mayor Adams’ administration to achieve a more sustainable New York City.” - Anastasia Cole Plakias, Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer
Left: DEP Comissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala with Brooklyn Grange co-founder & Chief Impact Officer, Anastasia Cole Plakias
Right: Anastasia Cole Plakias, Brooklyn Grange co-founder and Chief Impact Officer, harvesting chives with Mayor Adams. (Photos Courtesy of the DEP)
3. GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES THE FARM AT THE JAVITS CENTER JOINS NYS GROWN & CERTIFIED
In celebration of Earth Week and the farms’s first harvest of the season, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that The Farm at the Javits Center joined our existing locations in becoming a NYS Grown and Certified operation. We’re looking forward to our first full season working with their catering partner, CULTIVATED, to grow fresh, healthy food according to the highest safety and sustainability standards for guests of the convention center.
“As we celebrate Earth Week, it’s important to reflect on our existential fight against climate change and continue our pursuit of historic, innovative solutions to bring us closer to a cleaner, greener New York State. From the success of its nearly 7-acre green roof to a new rooftop farm, the Javits Center has proven the power of sustainability. We are proud to welcome them into the New York State Grown & Certified program, which celebrates fresh, healthy produce grown in a way that is considerate of the surrounding environment.” - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul
Brooklyn Grange farmers harvesting the first crops of the 2022 season on the Farm at the Javits Center. (Photos Courtesy of the Javits Center)
3. BROOKLYN GRANGE PLANTS FOOD FOREST ATOP THE JAVITS CENTER
Perhaps the most exciting developments during Earth Week 2022 was the planting of an innovative foodscape atop the Javits Center green roof. The food forest is designed to mimic the ecosystems found in New York’s forests, and further educate New Yorkers about their local ecology. Many of the species we planted are native to the region, and some, such as serviceberries, currants, mountain laurel, and american licorice, are believed to have once grown on the very land where the Javits Center is now located. Plants were selected for their ability to survive beneath the young orchard installed by Brooklyn Grange in 2022. Farming green roofs is what we’re known for, but Brooklyn Grange is always pushing the boundaries of what urban green space can deliver both in terms of ecological benefits, as well as production capacity.
“Stewarding land in New York City to feed people is a huge privilege, and the food forest is an exciting opportunity to invite new plants, animals, and insects into the work we do on the Farm at the Javits Center.” - Orion Ashmore, Farm Manager at The Farm at the Javits Center
“The Javits Center is pushing the envelope of what it means to be sustainable as a venue, a neighbor and a leader in educating others about the benefits of green roofs. This new food forest is a valuable addition to our unconventional oasis on Manhattan’s West Side, and its creation highlights the ability to shape and reshape the built environment for a healthier and more sustainable community.” -Jacqueline Tran, Director of Energy and Sustainability at the Javits Center.
Left: Apple and pear trees atop the Javits Center rooftop orchard. Right: Brooklyn Grange farmers planting edible shrubs and plants within the orchard.
4. PLANTING OUT 450 WARREN STREET
While a number of events in April highlighted public and public/private initiatives in green infrastructure, we were also knee-deep executing projects of varying scope and sizes in the private realm. In Brooklyn, our team began planting perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees onto two new green roofs we installed earlier this year. One of the two green roofs atop this new development features the first large-scale MetroPolder system to be installed in the United States. We loved working with Tankhouse, SO-IL, and of course, the team at MetroPolder to incorporate this innovative green roofing technology into the new residential development. Working with industry stakeholders committed to furthering the movement has pushed us to see just how green our city can be.
Brooklyn Grange Design/Build team planting out green roof at 450 Warren.