EPA Gives Bed-Stuy Gardens $30,000 Boost

More than a dozen Bed-Stuy community gardens will get some much needed attention, thanks to a 30,000 grant from the EPA, and the helping hands of the Bed-Stuy Youth Tillers.

The Green Guerillas, a local group, received the grant from the EPA to help create a program to train young people in the community in everything from composting to organic gardening at 15 area gardens. 

The program will also teach the youngsters how to install rainwater collection systems and filters to help manage those gardens throughout the year. 

"EPA environmental justice grants provide much needed funds to tackle local pollution problems and improve the quality of life in low income communities," said Judith A. Enck of the EPA in a statement. "The grant to Green Guerillas will educate young people in Brooklyn on ways they can utilize urban land, create healthier neighborhoods and get people working together to solve problems."

The students of the Youth Tillers program will also help run programs for community members, including cooking demonstrations and healthy gardening classes.