|
October 2009
350 Trees
Recently, Knox co-sponsored Hartford Growing Green!, one of thousands of International Day of Climate Action events, inspired by 350.org. To demonstrate our commitment towards mitigating global climate change while continuing to beautify Greater Hartford’s neighborhoods and streets, Knox has announced an initiative to plant 350 trees. Each tree will not only provide numerous visual and practical benefits for local residents, it will sequester carbon dioxide and demonstrate its value as one of the most cost-effective ways to fight global warming.
350.org is named after 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide, which is the safe limit of this gas in our atmosphere. It represents a goal for us to return to, as current levels are at nearly 390 parts per million, primarily due to our use of fossil fuels. More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere worsens the greenhouse effect which leads to notable climate change. However, trees provide us with a cost-efficient and aesthetically-pleasing way to reduce carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere.
Trees not only help reduce carbon dioxide levels, taking it in and emitting oxygen in its place, but provide a host of other benefits. When planted in the right spots, they can reduce a building's heating and cooling costs by at least 10%. They reduce noise pollution, glare on sunny days, and soil erosion. Additionally, the beauty and sense of community that trees can help foster are of immeasurable value.
Knox Parks Announces “Plant a Tree Fund”
In response to concerns over Hartford’s dwindling tree canopy, Knox Parks has created a fund dedicated to the planting of new trees in Hartford. The initial goal of the “Plant a Tree Fund” is to raise enough money to replant trees in the 40 vacant tree wells in Downtown Hartford . . . (more)
September 2009
Knox Launches Fundraiser
Knox Parks Foundation is partnering with wowgreen International, LLC to sell trial packs of wowgreen products – eco-friendly cleaning products. Each pack costs $20 and contains an all purpose cleaner, stain stick, laundry soap, window cleaner, carpet and upholstery cleaner. $7.50 of each sale is donated directly to Knox and $2.50 goes to the CT GreenScene. For more information, see the brochure.
August 2009
The search for an Executive Director has commenced.
We are seeking someone who will be passionate about horticulture, the environment, beautifying the community and providing opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about and impact these issues. S/he will actively translate that passion into the generation of the revenue needed to ensure the sustainability of the mission both now and in the years to come. S/he will also be action-oriented, creative, a leader and a manager, and willing to roll up his/her sleeves to “dig in," both literally and figuratively.
If you think you are that someone – or know someone else who might be – please download the Executive Director Profile information (PDF document) for job description and additional information.
Ann E. Thomas, Third Sector New England Transition Consultant, is coordinating the search for Knox Parks Foundation’s Executive Director. For more information, visit their website. Inquiries regarding this search may be directed to Ms. Thomas at knoxparkssearch@snet.net. Interviews are expected to begin the week of August 17.
April & May 2009
CPTV's All Things Connecticut Highlights Knox programs and activities (more)
Jack Hale Steps Down as Executive Director
For almost 30 years, Jack Hale has been the heart and soul of Knox Parks Foundation. On May 4, 2009, the board of directors accepted his resignation from the organization. (more)
Cityscapes Goes Virtual in 2009
The traditional fundraising gala went virtual this year and took place online. We thank all of our sponsors and those who bid on the fabulous items offered. The resulting funds raised will go directly to our programming.
Keep American Beautiful / Hartford Cleans Up
On four consequtive Saturdays — April 18, April 25, May 2 and May 9 — the Knox Parks Foundation, which is Hartford's Keep America Beautiful affiliate, collaborated with the City of Hartford and Telemundo Hartford/Springfield in the annual Spring Clean-Up event. Volunteer teams from al over Hartford worked together to clean up and beautify targeted areas of the city. Thanks go out to all who labored in this effort – you made a difference!
October 2008
Grilling for Green event at Elizabeth Park (photos here).
September 2008
A Taste of Connecticut Grown event at the Pump House Café (photos here).
August 2008
Community Garden Tour
 The community garden tour was a resounding success. Well over fifty people participated in the tour with some on the bus, while others rode their bicycles. The tour departed from Niles Street and stops were made at Watkinson, Westend, Evergreen and Broad gardens. We returned to Niles Street for a delicious and delightful meal with vegetables, herbs and fruits harvested from the local community gardens and prepared by some of the gardeners. To compliment a very special and inspiring evening Stephen Hayes and his Pea Pod Trio plus One created a musical explosion that kept the gathering dancing while munching, sipping and mingling. “Shout out” and thank you to the garden coordinators who were instrumental in helping to organize a most impressive event: Francisco (Broad); Auden, Dominick and Val (Westend); Miss Mimi (Evergreen); and Mike our host at Niles. (photos here)
April 2008
A Night To Remember
The Aetna Foundation and ING ,Gold Level Sponsorships of Cityscapes 2008 ~ A Night in the Urban Garden, enabled Knox to successfully raise over $26,000 to strengthen the Hartford Community Gardens Program ... (more)
Groups of Volunteers Work at Hartford's Annual Spring Cleanup
Hartford's version of The 2008 Great American Cleanup was held on four consecutive Saturdays: April 19, April 26, May 3 and May 10. Groups of volunteers – including schools, block watches, neighborhood associations, businesses, residents and community groups – selected a public street, park, space or playground within city limits to be cleaned and beautified. The City and Knox Parks Foundation provided bags, brooms, gloves, rakes and other sponsor-donated materials to registered groups. If interested in having your group participate next year, the group registration forms are available online in Word format by clicking here, or by calling Charmaine Craig at Knox Parks Foundation, 951-7694 ext 14, or by email.
The Timberland Company once again has generously outfitted the corps of the Green Crew with a donation of boots. Many thanks to Timberland!
October 2007
 Despite rainy weather, The Taste of Connecticut Grown fundraiser on October 11 in Bushnell Park was a great success. A crowd of about 60 people enjoyed locally-produced food that was skillfully prepared by the staff of the Bushnell Park Café, along with live music by Mosaic.
August 2007
Jack Hale, Charmaine Craig and Ron Pitz of the Knox Parks Foundation presented at the American Community Gardening Association's 28th Annual Conference in Boston a workshop entitled Building Community through Greening the Urban Landscape. They outlined the Trees For Hartford Neighborhood’s Program and talked about how Knox recruits community volunteers, empowers city residents and partner agencies to plant 300 trees in two years on 20 blocks in the city of Hartford.
July 2007
 U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman (far left) and Mayor Eddie Perez visited with the Knox Parks Foundation's Green Crew after Lieberman announced new funding for the program. The group will receive $25,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding and $150,000 from the Corporation for National and Community Service's AmeriCorps grant program. The announcement was made at Avery Heights in Hartford where the Green Crew have done extensive work on the grounds.
|
