Under blue skies on a crisp, autumn day, volunteers from Mohawk Global joined Grassroots Gardens WNY for a unique project: planting pawpaw trees!
Hardworking volunteers dug through old roots and buried debris in an empty parcel of land near Lombard Clark Community Garden to give the native saplings a new home. Volunteers were given guidance and proper spacing for the trees along the way, as well as heartfelt description of how they will impact the surrounding neighborhood.
Native to eastern North America, the pawpaw is a small tree that grows in patches. It is best known for producing an edible fruit that has a banana-like flavor. (With a fast expiration after falling off the tree, it isn’t often found in stores.)
“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating meaningful, long-term impact in the communities where we live and work,” said Gar Grannell, CEO at Mohawk Global. “By planting pawpaw trees, we’re not only adding beauty and sustainability to the neighborhood but also providing a source of fresh, native fruit for local families for years to come.”
In the garden, volunteers and neighbors worked together to rebuild two wooden garden beds. The new builds fit the garden’s colorful aesthetic, with beds painted blue and purple during the final activity for the day.
“Community-driven projects in improving public spaces across Western New York is at the core of Grassroots Gardens’ work. We’re so grateful for the continued friendship of Mohawk Global in putting their values in action through multiple projects with us, amplifying our support for neighbors doing the essential work of improving their neighborhood’s environmental health and access to healthy food,” said Timothy Chen, Executive Director of Grassroots Gardens WNY.
The donation (and subsequent planting) of these pawpaw trees continues a multi-year collaboration between Grassroots Gardens WNY and Mohawk Global. Their team’s committed volunteer work has improved community gardens across the City of Buffalo. Beyond our region, their employees have helped to plant more than 2,300 trees through their sustainability initiative.
We extend a special thanks to Chris Hawley from the Central Terminal Neighborhood Association for his massive help on this project. Over three years, Chris and other community members have planted more than 100 new trees around the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood.
Lombard Clark Community Garden is one of many growing spaces in the Grassroots Gardens WNY network. A true neighborhood effort, the garden is cared for by families in the surrounding houses. Fresh produce is grown in colorful beds, and soon, the garden will be surrounded by a dozens of trees.
Grassroots Gardens WNY works hard to ensure that each of our gardens have the seedlings, supplies, and support needed. Continue our work by making a donation or by becoming a monthly supporter.
