Downtown Revitalization

by Bowie Mcneil & Matilda Vishab

Project Description

We enhanced the downtown area by removing hazardous and invasive plant life and replacing it with useful plants and native pollinators. These improvements not only make the area nicer but also enhance ecological balance and support local wildlife. We also supplemented our project further by implementing a clean drinking fountain for birds specifically to further improve our downtown ecosystem.

Outputs

Removal of invasive and destructive plant life in a downtown area
Planting for native pollinator-attracting flowers, foliage, and shrubs
Installing a clean drinking fountain for birds, specifically chosen for its contribution to our downtown ecosystem
A more appealing, healthier, and ecologically richer downtown area

Outcomes

Native pollinators improve diversity while building local ecosystem resilience.
The bird fountain is a sustainable and safe drinking fountain for wildlife.
Removing invasive plants stops further propagation and ecological disruption while allowing native plants to thrive and grow.
The enhancement of the downtown area makes it a more appealing community space.

Process

Visually surveyed our downtown area for sources of invasive plant life and unsanitary growth in need of eradication.
Worked side by side with Nadine at Rivertown Plants and Gifts in selecting and obtaining proper native pollinator plants.
Removed invasive plants and readied soil for planting.
Planted a variety of native pollinators for seasonal assortment in support of continuous ecological advantage.
Placed a clean drinking fountain for birds in a high-visibility location at its center.
Maintained and oversaw planting and fountain for sustainability for use by all in our community.

Before

The area was overgrown with invasive plant species, creating a tangled and unmanaged appearance. The lavender at the front had died due to root rot, leaving behind dry, decayed patches instead of healthy blooms. English ivy and porcelain berry had also spread across the fence, further contributing to the overcrowded and unbound look. Overall the space suffered from poor plant health lack of structure and dominance of invasive growth.

During

The restoration work was led by Matilda and I, with Nadine contributing her help each day. A larger crew also came in for one day to tackle the massive root systems, some as large as tree trunks, as they couldn't be managed by hands alone. Together we removed the invasive shrubs, cleared out the dead lavender, and cut back ivy that had spread across the fence. This stage required both sturdy daily effort and heavy duty teamwork, gradually transforming the space into a clean, open garden bed that was ready for replanting

After

The garden has been transformed into a welcoming spot in the center of town. Where there once was overgrowth, there are now native flowers, lavender, and grasses that bring color and life to the street, and habitat for pollinators. The sound of the fountain adds a calm backdrop, making it a place people notice and enjoy as they walk through downtown.

Thank You

A special thank you goes out to Nadine at Rivertown Plants and Gifts for directly helping with us during the project and making revitalization a reality. We are also thankful for the support shown by Mayor Niki Armacost as well as for Nicole Miziolek for allowing us to perform the work, and for the funding by Bloomberg Philanthropies Youth Climate Action Fund.

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