Happy Fall, friend!
We believe that every person should have equal access to beautiful outdoor spaces and experiences, and we're working hard to make this a reality in GR.
From planting 400 new trees through the Mayor's Greening Initiative next week, to hosting park Pumpkin Parties and challenging people to "trek" our parks' trails, Friends' Fall calendar is packed full of opportunities to beautify and enjoy our city's outdoor spaces.
Join us as we continue to build new collaborations, strengthen community partnerships, and to be active in the conversations around social and racial equity in the areas of trees, parks and green spaces. Every child in our community deserves access to nature in every season so we have lots in store.
We look forward to planting trees with you this fall and having fun in our parks.
Your friend in parks and trees,
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The 2020 Mayor’s Greening Initiative will add 400 trees to the Garfield Park neighborhood in just one weekend! We will offer multiple volunteer “shifts” over Oct. 9 and 10, each with a limit to the number of volunteers in one place.
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A Role for Everyone!
TREE PLANTING: Plant 1-2 trees in Garfield Park or surrounding neighborhood during your 2-hour shift.
SITE LEADER: These key volunteers are assigned a specific area to oversee during the event. This includes greeting volunteers assigned to work in the area, demonstrating tree planting, distributing and collecting tools, and communicating with Friends staff.
CLEAN-UP: Clear registration area, put away tools and supplies, and assist FGRP staff.
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You Choose Your "Shift"
FRIDAY, OCT. 9: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 10: 9-11 a.m., 12-2 p.m., or 3-5 p.m.
Volunteer Safely
Every volunteer will be expected to wear a face covering and maintain safe social distance. You will be assigned to a small group of fellow volunteers a specific street. We'll provide sanitized tools and your Site Leader will demonstrate how to safely plant the tree!
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10/1-3: Pumpkin Parties in the Park at 5 p.m.
Pick up a pumpkin and painting kit, and enjoy s’mores around the campfire at Ah-Nab-Awen (10/1), Garfield (10/2) or Roosevelt (10/3) Park. Learn more
10/9-10: Mayor's Greening Initiative
Volunteer with us to plant trees in the Garfield Park neighborhood! We'll spread volunteer groups out over two days to maintain safe social distancing. Learn more & sign up
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11/6-15: Trek Park Trails
From Nov. 6-15, lace up your shoes or boots and join Friends of GR Parks and Gazelle Sports Grand Rapids in our first virtual "Trek Park Trails". This is not a race! It's a self-led hike, walk or run to help you discover all that our park trails and paths have to offer, enjoy the fall colors, and connect to nature. Register here!
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DIVISION UNITED
With the help of national non-profit The Better Block, three locations on South Division Avenue will be temporarily transformed into safer, more active, and vibrant spaces.
10/3: Everyone's Plaza Event from 5-9 p.m.
Better Cities Film Festival with short movies about how to make your city the best it can be. Free hot cider from Malamiah Juice, games, and music.
10/3: Art and Culture Market from 11-3 p.m.
Art, music, pop-up shops, food and a new bus stop and crosswalk!
10/3: Everyone's Corner Event from 11-3 p.m.
Pop-up exercise classes, local businesses, local foods, new outdoor seating, safer streets and more.
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Share Your Ideas with the Parks Dept.
Take a quick survey to share your ideas for 2021 park improvements!
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Welcome, new Neighborhood Foresters!
Amanda and Theresa are our newest Neighborhood Forester graduates, and we are so proud! They both completed the four required classes virtually during the pandemic, and are now certified tree advocates and front-line Friends volunteers.
Theresa (right) is pictured by her freshly planted Hackberry at Campus Elementary School, and Amanda (left) is standing next to her first pruned tree on Fairmount Street in East Hills.
Learn more about the Neighborhood Forester program and see our class calendar.
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Outdoor Classrooms
The outdoor classroom and natural playscape at Plaster Creek Family Park is complete! We believe that connecting children to nature and providing alternate ways to learn are important - and we're so excited for this space near Burton School.
Learn about the space
Read Research about Green Schoolyards
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Volunteer Safely
Volunteer projects are limited to groups of 10, we provide face masks and gloves, and all tools are assigned to one volunteer for the duration of the project. Read more about our COVID-19 safety precautions on the blog, and message us to organize a project for your group!
Learn about our plan
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I want to help parks, trees and neighbors thrive in GR!
Your gifts plant trees, beautify green spaces, activate parks, and connect thousands of residents and volunteers to the nature in our city.
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