Background

ReClaim McKeesport is a year-long education program that assists community members in implementing change on vacant land. In McKeesport alone, there are over 2500 vacant lots. Program participants serve in the role of Ambassador to implement a green project on a vacant property of their choosing. Green projects may include food gardens, parklets, or playspaces.Using the tools, resources and knowledge gained over the past 6 months, Ambassadors will begin to ReClaim McKeesport.

Overview

As of October 2014, our cohort of community Ambassadors have been attending educational sessions and workshops, learning about the ways that vacant lots impact the community and thinking about ways to transform these vacant properties in ways that benefit everyone.  These educational sessions range from how to structure site access agreements to volunteer recruitment and management that will empower and equip Ambassadors to transform a parcel of vacant land in their community. Ambassadors will receive a micro-grant to implement their project, and throughout the spring and summer of 2015 will make their ideas come to life.

Meet the Ambassadors

What our Ambassadors are up to

Julie is beautifying a Trail Garden along the Great Allegheny Passage.

Alandra and April are engaging students on their En GAGE  garden at Penn State Greater Allegheny.

Hank is working on all of the sites.

Shari is creating a bright spot for her neighbors with her Library District Gateway Garden.

Rhonda is creating a community space on her Noah’s Ark Community Park.

Kim is playing on her Bouquet site.

Rochelle is turning an empty lot into an embellished oasis.

Sharon is attracting butterflies at the Palisades Butterfly Garden.

Walt is continuing to work at his historic downtown Railroad Crossing site.

Dana is storing all of the tools in new shed at her Reservoir Retreat.

Want to learn more about ReClaim McKeesport? Email James.