NEW GROUND

The New Ground Program is a community based program in urban areas of northern New Jersey that is dedicated to promoting the development of community gardens, supporting local gardeners and providing environmental and gardening education. The New Grounds program has four main components: Community Gardening Program; Community Outreach and Education and Events Program; Garden Corps Program; and the Social Horticultural Program.

COMMUNITY GARDENING PROGRAM

The Community Gardening Program works in partnership with local community based organizations and municipalities to facilitate the development and maintenance of community gardens and beautification projects. 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND EVENTS PROGRAM

The Community Outreach and Education program encourages local residents to participate in greening programs throughout their cities, in conjunction with City Green Projects, independently or with partner organizations. This is accomplished through the implementation of a variety of community events and educational programs hosted by City Green throughout the year, at the Learning Gardens and at the Farm.

SOCIAL HORTICULTURAL PROGRAM

The Horticultural Therapy Program is a weekly educational / therapeutic program implemented with the formerly homeless and residents of a residential substance program in Paterson. The program is implemented once a week, April – November. Through their work with City Green staff to develop and maintain on site food producing and flower gardens, and their participation in Sustainable Landscaping Certificate Programs, residents are provided with opportunities to increase their social skills, their sense of competency and self esteem and, to engage in productive, healthy recreational activities. 

GARDEN CORPS PROGRAM

The Garden Corps program is an educational, job training program that works primarily with ex offenders or formerly homeless residents. Participants in the Garden Corps program complete a 6 week, 60 hour course in Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening Practices. Upon successful completion of the training program participants are enrolled in a six week paid internship program. Interns work on community gardening and beautification projects. This program is run in coordination with local community based organizations and the Department of Public Works in Paterson. 

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OUR KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN 2011

COMMUNITY GARDENING PROGRAM

•  6 Community Gardens in Paterson
•  1 Beautification Project in Paterson  Faith Chapel Reform Church Garden
•  1 Beautification Project in Jersey City – Jersey City, City Hall Children’s Garden
•  15 Community Gardens planned for Schultheis Farm  (participants are registered with Clifton Dept. of Rec)
•  Established partnership with Jersey City Planning Dept. for Citywide Adopt a Lot Community Garden Program. City Green is contracted to provide educational and technical assistance to participating gardeners.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH, EDUCATION AND EVENTS PROGRAM

•  Hosted the Annual Harvest Festival at Eastside Park since 2009
•  Hosted the Annual Garden Contest and Award Ceremony in Paterson since 2010
•  Implemented the Green Your Block Program in Paterson, with 3 resident groups participating in 2011

SOCIAL HORTICULUTRAL PROGRAM

•  4 Gardens at community based organizations in Paterson utilized for Horticultural Therapy Program
•  Implementation of a 7 month, weekly Social Horticultural Program for residents of residential rehabilitation center and the formerly homeless.

GARDEN COPRS PROGRAM

• Implementation of Sustainable Landscaping and Internship Program (Garden Corps) with ex offenders