ABSTRACT
Improved ecological function throughout our public landscapes is vital to the health of city dwellers. Public engagement programs at the Old Stone House & Washington Park (OSH) illustrate how ecosystem management can foster community health while reducing horticultural costs. The scale and budget expanded substantially over a period of years as benefits to the community were increased. OSH was a host site for permaculture practice, an interdisciplinary design approach, from 2004 to 2018. Plants for food, medicine, and crafts were added to meet human needs, as well as to support birds and insects. Volunteers and students installed and maintained the plants, alongside the lead gardener. The gardens and programs provided educational, ecological, and social services to participants of every age, ethnicity, and economic group, including caregivers accompanied by children and workers on the site. Social benefits were developed in parallel to ecological improvements using permaculture design techniques as a toolbox. Improvements to the landscape were led by Kimberly Maier, executive director of OSH, and Claudia Joseph, director of the New York Permaculture Exchange, in collaboration with neighbors, friends, donors, and supporting organizations.
