December 12, 2016
By Tasmia Anika, Communications Intern
2016 Daffodil Project by the Numbers:
The Daffodil Project completed another successful year as 500,000 bulbs were planted by New Yorkers citywide in 2016.The essence of this volunteer effort is as robust as ever as we continue to commemorate the lives lost on 9/11 and the revitalization of our beautiful city. Our most enthusiastic volunteers are often the smallest - for years New York City schoolchildren across the five boroughs have participated in the Daffodil Project, acting as caretakers of their schools and playgrounds. In an age of technological innovation and increased screen time, a lack of exposure to green spaces hinders young people from experiencing one of life’s greatest joys: planting. New Yorkers for Parks changes that by inspiring youth to make their communities better and refresh their perspective toward parks.
This year nearly 200 schools across the city partook in this volunteer effort, receiving free bulbs from New Yorkers for Parks. The Daffodil Project uniquely introduces youth, particularly from low income communities, to neighborhood stewardship by encouraging them to enhance their schoolyards, parks and playgrounds with flowers. NY4P provides the daffodil bulbs, tools and supplies for students to engage and learn. For the majority of the students, this is their first opportunity to participate in beautifying nature and experiment with gardening.
The volunteer project encourages students to become more proactive and take pride in their surrounding communities. Whether it be picking up trash or planting daffodils, the young volunteers are given an opportunity to practice civic engagement and teamwork. NY4P hopes to engage students at a deeper level by pairing lessons in environmental education with recommended action steps. This goal is to strengthen the students’ understanding of nature's value, and spark the initiative to care for local green spaces .
In addition to school children, the groups who collaborate to make this project possible range from corporate partners to parks and gardening groups. In some ways the Daffodil Project is a reflection of what makes New York City special: diverse groups of people coming together, to make something beautiful grow.
If you appreciate what the Daffodil Project does for NYC, please support our support our work.