GreenMap NYC: Community Green Maps

While the Green Apple Map is a city-wide project, New York has such a diversity of neighborhoods (413, to use the official number) and a wealth of layers and themes, we think it's a great idea for community groups to consider starting a Green Map project. More information about registering is here. And, in the near future, we'll be offering a new Green Mapmaking resource that will lead to more interactive online Green Maps across NYC and beyond!

In early 2008, Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP) in Brooklyn got started charting "green collar job" and other opportunities on their own Green Map. Find the complete project profile here.

Brooklyn neighbors in the nearby coalition, Green Fort Greene Clinton Hill Wallabout produced a wonderful centerfold Green Map in the November 2007 'green' issue of The Hill, a publication about historic Brownstone Brooklyn. Find the complete project profile here. You can download the complete edition of The Hill with stories about the sustainability projects undertaken by diverse community members here (4.8MB), or download just the Green Map (300K).

In fall 2006, the community group,Upper Green Side, got started on a Green Map focused on sustainability on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Their website is a practical response to the question "what can I do?" and we expect their Green Map will do even more to connect people to answers and resources. Contact Mapmaker Sarah Gallagher for more information.

NYC's Sierra Club Ecological Restoration Committee worked with other groups to restore an especially beautiful but long-neglected park in upper Manhattan, marking a turning point in High Bridge Park's long history. The impressive High Bridge was built in 1842 to bring drinking water into NYC from the Croton River - it's just one of the many historic structures gracing the park as well as the Green Map created by this group. There are many native trees and plants to enjoy, as well as riverfront parks and a new community boathouse at Swindler's Cove. Many organizations are involved and described on the map, including New York Restoration Project and Friends of High Bridge Park, along with Sierra Club. Free copies of this photograph-filled, full color map by project coordinator and writer Millie Seubert, editor Rachel Treichler and designer Robert Romagnoli may be available by emailing highbridge@igc.org.

How might a Green Map enhance your community or restoration project? Let us know your ideas!