Nineteen young Rhode Island residents are a little greener.
The students recently completed an eight-week sustainable urban landscaping program conducted by Groundwork Providence, an organization dedicated to beautifying the state’s capital.
The 70-hour course included instruction in pesticide safety, soils and fertilization, planting, mulching and disease control. Instructors from the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association, Innovative Safety Services, Horsley & Witten, and Gates, Leighton and Associates participated in the program, which was underwritten by the United Way of Rhode Island and the city of Providence’s First Source Program.
Eleven of the students came from homes managed by the Providence Housing Authority (PHA).
“This is a great example of partnerships producing measurable results,” said Stephen J. O’Rourke, PHA Executive Director. “The goal here is to provide low-income residents the skills necessary to enter the job market, paving the way for self-sufficiency.”
The PHA said it anticipates hiring several newly trained residents to work on a beautification project at Manton Heights family development planned for this coming spring. It also expects to conduct a second training program in February.
“We are truly excited about this partnership with the PHA and in providing PHA residents the tools necessary to pursue their pathway to opportunity,” said Joseph Vaughan, executive director of Groundwork Providence “Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn was a major factor in our decision to expand the program.”
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- Featured Event -
The JAYCEES of Kent County in Rhode Island, manage and operate a beautiful and well received Nature Lane, Riverwalk and award-wining Arboretum along the West Bay Secondary Bikepath.
It landscape footprint also meanders along Rhode Island’s longest waterway, the Pawtuxet River and its north / south confluence and stem.
There multiple species of trees, shrubbery, seasonal plants, native trees and the required needs of horticultural activities that maintain its brilliance and aesthetic appeal.
The JAYCEES would enjoy collaborating with the sustainable urban landscaping program for an outdoor lab during the next Spring-Summer phase of this measure as an actual hands-on process.
The JAYCEES have been successful coordinating training and work site projects at their Arboretum for students and disabled citizens as a model for pre-employment service as well as holding their annual Employees Days events with area wide professional organizations and corporations.
Community Partnerships are most encouraged, productive and successful!