urban farming-- winter 2015 hayes alumni magazine (1)

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URBAN FARMING AND BEAUTIFYING THE CONCOURSE BY JACKINA FARSHTEY 18 | WINTER 2016

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Page 1: Urban Farming-- Winter 2015 Hayes Alumni Magazine (1)

URBAN FARMINGAND BEAUTIFYINGTHE CONCOURSEBY JACKINA FARSHTEY

18 | WINTER 2016

Page 2: Urban Farming-- Winter 2015 Hayes Alumni Magazine (1)

WITH A GROWING POPULATION AND DEPLETING FOOD RESOURCES, THE WORLD IS AT A CRUCIAL MOMENT IN HISTORY. FOOD SUSTAINABILITY IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR SURVIVAL, AND FINDING WAYS TO MAINTAIN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IS A DAUNTING TASK FOR SCIENTISTS.

According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund,

by 2030, the majority of the world will be living in urban areas.

In the South Bronx and other cities around the country, residents

are using urban farming as a way to address this challenge.

Four Hayesmen who are members of

the Cardinal Hayes Environmental Club are

taking a proactive approach to dealing with this problem.

They help manage the New Roots Community Farm,

which has become a source of pride for the area.

WINTER 2016 | 19

Page 3: Urban Farming-- Winter 2015 Hayes Alumni Magazine (1)

| WINTER 201620

Daniel Afrifa, who has been part of the club since his sophomore year finds the work rewarding. “Here in the South Bronx, gardens are not something that you frequently see. I think public green spaces and vegetable gardens enrich the community and enable people living in the city to experience nature.” Seventeen-year-old Edwin Dominguez enjoys seeing the end result. “We grow basil, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables. It’s really interesting to see how nature works and you get to see first-hand how all your hard work pays off.”

Since 2012, The New York Botanical Garden—Bronx Green-Up Program and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have partnered to provide onsite technical training to members of the local community, students from various schools and recently arrived refugees from many countries. This initiative has been instrumental in helping to strengthen the urban agricultural movement throughout the borough. Susan Katz, Community Horticulturist for The New York Botanical Garden—Bronx Green-Up Program was impressed by the level of dedication and focus demonstrated by the students. “They were enthusiastic about the project. As they got more involved, the students realized they were helping the neighborhood thrive. This instills a strong sense of ownership.” Kathleen

McTigue, New Roots Program Manager believes the involvement of the younger generation is important. “It was an eye opening moment for me to see how this

has helped the young men. They are always respectful and willing to help.” Brother Chiulli, who is the moderator of the environmental club, is proud of students’ accomplishments. Our students have developed a certain level of maturity and teamwork. This program has also fostered more curiosity.

For Raymundo-Alvarez, this experience has a deeper meaning. “I feel good about being a part of this program. I believe I am making my community a better place to live and I take pride in the food that I’ve helped to produce. This is my lasting contribution to society and that is a great feeling.”

Another initiative that is important to the environmental club is the beautification of the South Bronx. On Columbus Day, Mr. Terence Mulvey and Mr. Winston van Buitenen led several members of the club to trim bushes, mulch flower beds and plant a colorful array of Chrysanthamums on

the traffic islands in front of the school. The students are doing their part in creating a cohesive environment and extending the Cardinal Hayes Campus.

Victor Gautreaux was pleased to be part of the project. “It was satisfying to see all the wonderful results of our hard work. If we don’t have any trees it will lessen the oxygen content in the air, so it is important to take care of our environment.” Sixteen-year-old Xavier Nunez was grateful that community members supported the clean-up. “We had a number of residents who thanked us while we were working. I felt happy that people cared about what we were trying to accomplish.” Prince Hunt, who recently joined the club, believes that setting a good example will help. “As a Hayesmen we live by a certain standard of success and discipline. Proper appearance is important and that is why we wear a suit and tie. If we must look presentable, so must our school.”

“I believe I am making my community a better place to live and I take pride in the food that I’ve helped to produce.”