New England Grows Helps Revitalize Boston Schoolyards

New England Grows, a green industry exposition and educational conference, announced it has committed $50,000 to the Boston Schoolyard Funders Collaborative (BSFC) in support of the Boston Schoolyard Initiative (BSI), a public/private partnership between the BSFC and the city of Boston, Mass., dedicated to revitalizing the city’s schoolyards and neighborhoods. New England Grows’ 5-year commitment to benefit the BSI was highlighted at this year’s show, which took place Feb. 6-8, 2007.

“The BSI is doing great things for kids and horticulture in Boston, and New England Grows is honored to make this commitment in support of an organization that is so vital to the fabric of Boston’s communities,” said Cricket Vlass, president of New England Grows.

To mark the trade show’s 15th anniversary, Vlass presented a check for $10,000 to Mayor Thomas Menino at the Landmark Luncheon during New England Grows.

“The re-designed schoolyards created by the BSI have improved the quality of life for children and have made our neighborhoods a better place to live,” said Menino. “We welcome the green industry’s commitment to help realize our goal of environmental sustainability for the future of our city.”

The funds will be used to implement programs aimed at teaching students how to care for the plantings and hardscape features of their schoolyards. Proceeds will also be used to research and design a program to encourage school-to-work opportunities within the green industry.

For more information, visit www.negrows.org.